1604
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Prediction of Ahijah is a 1604 by Jan Pietersz Saenredam, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting shows Ahijah, a prophet, pointing to two dying people. He's seated, looking serious. The scene is dramatic, with a strong sense of sorrow. The prophet's words are a punishment for the king's sins. This story is from the Bible. It's a somber moment, with death and suffering. You can learn more about this style by looking at the technique of chiaroscuro.
As punishment for the king's sins, the prophet predicts disaster saying, "those of your people who die in the city shall be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field shall be eaten by birds." Ahijah is seated, pointing to two dying people including the young man with the crown, presumably Jeroboam's son.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Jan Pieterszoon (abbr. Pietersz.) Saenredam (c. 1565 – 6 April 1607) was a Dutch Northern Mannerist painter, printmaker in engraving, and cartographer, and father of the painter of church interiors, Pieter Jansz…
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
