The artwork, titled “Prophet Elijah,” was created around 1200 by the artist known as “Orthodox Icons.” This piece belongs to the Middle Byzantine art movement, which dates from approximately 850 to 1204, and specifically falls under the genre of religious icons. It is part of a series that portrays saints and is currently housed at Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt.
The artwork depicts the Prophet Elijah clad in a traditional robe, which is rendered with meticulous detail and a rich palette characteristic of Byzantine iconography. His hands are raised in a gesture of divine communication, and his intense gaze is directed upward, symbolizing spiritual ascension and connection to the divine. Above him, a raven is shown, likely referring to the biblical narrative where ravens brought Elijah food. The background is somber, enhancing the solemn and revered nature of the figure, while the overall composition emphasizes spiritual contemplation and the holy presence of the Prophet Elijah.
