Artwork

Profeten Elias, i rød kjortel, violet gevandt og hvid turban, taler til den sunamitiske kvinde

Profeten Elias, i rød kjortel, violet gevandt og hvid turban, taler til den sunamitiske kvinde is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1750 by the artist catalogued as 37468_person, this image depicts a biblical scene titled “Profeten Elias, i rød kjortel, violet gevandt og hvid turban, taler til den sunamitiske kvinde.” The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented as a photographic reproduction of the original composition.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows the prophet Elijah, dressed in a red robe, violet sash and white turban, addressing a kneeling woman identified as the Sunamite. A child stands behind them, reaching outward, while a distant boat and hills recede on the horizon, suggesting a narrative of divine instruction and familial devotion.

Technique & Style

The image employs a restrained palette of soft tones, avoiding strong contrasts. Figures are rendered with a light, almost weightless quality, and the overall lighting is even, flattening the scene rather than emphasizing dramatic chiaroscuro. The setting by a rocky shore adds a natural backdrop to the figures.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the mid‑18th century and has been held by the Museum of Ethnography since its acquisition, though specific details of its earlier ownership are not recorded in the available sources.