Artwork

Elisha mocked by the little children

Elisha mocked by the little children, by Roeloff van Zijl, oil, 1627
Elisha mocked by the little children, by Roeloff van Zijl, oil, 1627

Elisha mocked by the little children is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Roeloff van Zijl. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is currently held in the depot of the Rijksmuseum under the care of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection.

Roeloff van Zijl executed Elisha mocked by the little children in oil on canvas in 1627. The painting measures 143 × 160 cm. As a religious genre work from the Dutch Golden Age, its composition and handling would be consistent with early seventeenth-century Dutch painting practices, though specific stylistic analysis of brushwork, color palette, or compositional structure is not documented in the available sources. The work is currently held in the depot of the Rijksmuseum under the care of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Elisha mocked by the little children was created by Roeloff van Zijl in 1627. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work measures 143 cm in height and 160 cm in width. It is currently held within the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection and is stored in the depot of the Rijksmuseum. The artwork belongs to the religious art genre.

Overview

Roeloff van Zijl's 1627 oil painting, Elisha mocked by the little children, is a religious work housed in the Rijksmuseum. The scene depicts a group of children and adults reacting to an unseen element, with one boy holding a dog and others gesturing enthusiastically amidst a rocky landscape background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a biblical scene where the prophet Elisha is mocked, as referenced in 2 Kings 2:23-25. The subjects' upward gazes and exaggerated expressions convey a moment of teasing or surprise, capturing the narrative's emotional essence.

Context

The work reflects the early 17th-century European interest in depicting biblical narratives through vivid, emotionally charged scenes. Van Zijl's use of chiaroscuro aligns with the period's artistic innovations, particularly in Dutch Golden Age painting.

Legacy

While specific influences or notable reproductions of 'Elisha mocked by the little children' are not highlighted, the painting contributes to the broader understanding of religious art in the Dutch Golden Age and the evolution of chiaroscuro in European painting.

Event at a Military Camp (Wedding at a Military Camp)
Event at a Military Camp (Wedding at a Military Camp), Georg Philipp Rugendas the Elder

Artist & collection

Artist

Roeloff van Zijl

Roeloff van Zijl (1586–1656) was an artist, born in Utrecht.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Elisha mocked by the little children?

Elisha mocked by the little children was painted by Roeloff van Zijl in 1627.

Where can I see Elisha mocked by the little children?

Elisha mocked by the little children is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Elisha mocked by the little children?

Elisha mocked by the little children is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Elisha mocked by the little children?

Museum-quality prints of Elisha mocked by the little children are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.