This biblical scene is set on Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah, covered with a grey mantle and holding a book, kneels before an altar. King Ahab of Israel recoils in terror at the thunderbolt sent by God to ignite Elijah's sacrifice. As a result of this sign, the people of Israel abandoned the cult of Baal and returned to the worship of Jehovah (Kings 18: 38-39).
Images of the life of Elijah were increasingly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the prophet was regarded as a founder and patron of the Carmelite order.
- TitleThe Sacrifice of Elijah
- Object numberB.M.627
- Collection
- Creator
- Production placeHolland
- Date1651 - 1651
- Production period17th century
- School/styleDutch
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions
- Length: 46.7 cm
- Width: 60.3 cm
- Length: Frame 64 cm
- Width: Frame 77 cm
- Depth: Frame 6 cm