19c RARE RUSSIAN ICON SAINT PROPHET ELIJAH

Russian Orthodox Icon "Saint Prophet Elijah". Russia, icon painted in 19th century. Tempera, gesso, hand painted.  Size  26,5 x 37 cm (10.5" x 12.2" x 0.8"). 

Elijah ; also Elias was a prophet in the Kingdom of Samaria during the reign of Ahab (9th century BCE), according to the Books of Kings.

According to the Books of Kings, Elijah defended the worship of Yahweh over that of the more popular Baal, he raised the dead, brought fire down from the sky, and ascended into heaven in a whirlwind (either accompanied by a chariot and horses of flame or riding in it). In the Book of Malachi, Elijah's return is prophesied "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord," making him a harbinger of the Messiah and the eschaton in various faiths that revere the Hebrew Bible. 

In Christianity, the New Testament describes how both Jesus and John the Baptist are compared with Elijah, and on some occasions, thought by some to be manifestations of Elijah, and Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus.

In Islam, the Quaran describes Elijah as a great and righteous prophet of God, and one who powerfully preached against the worship of Baal.

Good quality painting. Executed in traditional style. Very rare and nice piece of religious art.

The certificate is available upon request from Lithuanian Culture Department testifying the authenticity and age of the icon.