The artwork titled “Obadiah, Messenger of King Ahab, Meets Elijah,” created by Orthodox Icons between c.1275 – c.1325, is a tempera on wood piece that exemplifies the Pskov School of icon painting within the Romanesque art movement. This iconographic work, part of the “Saints” series, is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a significant biblical moment where Obadiah, a messenger of King Ahab, encounters the prophet Elijah. The tempera medium on wood gives it a distinct vibrancy, characteristic of the icon genre. The background features a striking red triangular structure decorated with symbolic patterns, likely representing a divine or holy presence. To the left, Elijah is portrayed with a serene and composed demeanor, holding a scroll and adorned with a halo, signifying his prophetic status. Obadiah, in a gesture of humility and reverence, kneels before Elijah. The detailed facial expressions and postures of the surrounding figures enhance the narrative drama, leading viewers to delve deep into the significance of the meeting. The piece, marked by its medieval iconographic style, shows signs of age yet retains much of its original grandeur, making it a precious relic of ecclesiastical art.