Icon - Wood - The Prophet Elijah

The prophet Elijah (left), depicted within a reddish mandorla, symbol of the divine.
He wears a cloak and a long beard, features typical of the prophet.
The posture is solemn, almost visionary → indicating his character as a man of God.

The mandorla suggests a theophany or divine manifestation, not a common earthly scene.

Upper scene: the chariot of fire
In the upper part one sees a chariot drawn by horses, drawn schematically.
This element is key: it represents the biblical episode of Elijah's ascent (2 Kings 2:11).
It is the moment when Elijah is taken to heaven without dying.

Characters to the right
Two figures with haloes:
Probably Elisha (Elijah’s disciple).
Another secondary figure or witness.
One of them seems to receive or bow → possible allusion to Elijah’s mantle falling, a symbol of prophetic transmission.
4. Symbolic elements
The river or valley: separation between the earthly world and the divine.
Black bird (left): could allude to the raven that fed Elijah in the desert (another episode of his life).
Dominant red color above: symbolizes divine fire.

Theological interpretation

This icon does not represent a single moment, but a condensed narrative composition, typical of Orthodox art:

Lower part: earthly presence of Elijah and his disciples.
Upper part: his glorification and ascension.
Visual unity: the icon simultaneously shows history and theology.

The central message:
Elijah as the prophet taken up by God and a model of a spiritually elevated life.

Keys to quick recognition
Chariot of fire → unequivocal sign of Elijah.
Bearded figure with mantle → prophet.
Double scene (earth + heaven) → theological narrative.

Technique: tempera on panel, with a gold background
Probable origin: Russian or Slavic iconography (by the Cyrillic inscription at the top).