Artwork
Elisha Raises the Son of the Shunammite
Elisha Raises the Son of the Shunammite is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1547 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Elisha Raises the Son of the Shunammite is a 1547 etching by Augustin Hirschvogel, a German artist known for his work in multiple fields including mathematics and cartography.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a biblical scene in which the prophet Elisha revives the son of a Shunammite woman. The dramatic yet serene composition conveys a sense of miracle and emotional intensity through the figures' poses and interactions.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp, clear lines and simple shapes, the black-and-white etching showcases Hirschvogel's skill in conveying movement and emotion without relying on color. The work is representative of the Danube School's landscape traditions.
History & Provenance
Created in 1547, the etching is part of Hirschvogel's oeuvre that includes thirty-five small landscape etchings produced between 1545 and 1549, associating him with the Danube School, a 16th-century artistic circle active in Bavaria and Austria.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.
The Raising of Lazarus
Christ Appears to the Apostles
Jesus Identifies Himself before the Arrest
The Murder of the Children of Bethel
Naaman is Cured of Leprosy
Job Learns of His Misfortunes
The Punishment of Ananias and Sapphira
The Men of Ephraim Care for their Captives and Return Them to Jerico
The Adoration of the Magi
The Prophet Elisha and the Shunamite Woman
Joab Betrays Abner