The artwork entitled “Prophet Elijah in the desert with Hagiographic cycle” is a significant piece of ecclesiastical art created during the period circa 1275 to 1325. Crafted using tempera on wood, this icon is attributed to the Pskov school of icon painting, which exhibits influences of the Romanesque art movement. The dimensions of this icon are substantial, measuring approximately 141 by 111 centimeters. This artwork, which falls under the genre of religious icons, is part of a series dedicated to saints and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, the central figure of Prophet Elijah is depicted seated in a contemplative pose, his hand gently touching his chin, a symbol of deep reflection or conversation with God. Elijah is cast against a predominantly gilded backdrop, indicative of the divine light and holy presence often associated with religious figures in iconography. His garments are rendered with multiple folds, suggesting volume, and with contrasting red and blue colors, imbuing the figure with a sacred majesty.
Surrounding the central figure is a hagiographic cycle—scenes from the life of the prophet—each captured within its own compartment, illustrating various biblical episodes. Notable is the consistency of style across these vignettes, marked by a narrative quality that is characteristic of medieval iconography. Above Elijah, we find a row of saints or angels, solemnly observing or perhaps guarding the prophet.
The icon shows signs of age, with areas of the artwork displaying wear, some loss of paint, and cracking, typical for artifacts that have survived several centuries. Despite this, the icon remains a testimony to the profound religious and artistic traditions of the era, as well as a precious jewel of devotional art.
