Artwork
Landscape with Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
Landscape with Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath is an oil painting by Gillis d'Hondecoeter. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Landscape with Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath is a 1613 oil painting by Gillis d'Hondecoeter, a Dutch artist known for landscapes and realistic depictions of nature. The work combines a biblical scene with a detailed natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a biblical episode featuring Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. Elijah sits under a tree, while the widow stands beside him, set against a backdrop of a small house, trees, and bushes. The calm, serene atmosphere may underscore the narrative's themes of faith and provision.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work showcases d'Hondecoeter's evolving style, transitioning from Flemish influences towards a more realistic Dutch approach. Notable are the meticulously rendered trees and bushes in muted browns and greens, set beneath a cloudy sky, all contributing to a rich textured appearance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1613, the painting is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection. D'Hondecoeter, the patriarch of an artistic family, preceded in fame by his son Gijsbert and grandson Melchior.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Gillis Claesz. de Hondecoeter or d'Hondecoeter (c. 1575–1580 – buried 17 October 1638) was a Dutch painter, working in a Flemish style, painting landscapes, trees, fowl and birds. Later on d'Hondecoeter painted in a…
