Elijah and the fiery chariot
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Silk and metal-wrapped thread
Dimensions
L. 27 3/4 x W. 21 inches (70.5 x 53.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Coudert Brothers, 1888
Accession Number
88.3.95
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite 17th-century Italian embroidered textile *Elijah and the Fi Chariot*, a masterful depiction of the biblical prophet's dramatic ascension to heaven as described in 2 Kings Crafted by an unknown artist, this work captures the whirlwind moment when Elijah is whisked away in a chariot of fire drawn by horses of flame, with human figures witnessing the divine spectacle. Measuring 27¾ x 21 inches, vibrant silk threads interwoven with shimmering metal-wrapped ones evoke the celestial blaze, transforming a humble fabric into a luminous narrative panel. Produced during Italy's Bar...