Artwork
The Prophet Elijah with the Widow of Zarephath
The Prophet Elijah with the Widow of Zarephath is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan Pietersz Saenredam. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:in image, at bottom right: Abraham. Bloemaert / inuentor / Ioann. Saenredam sculp. / et excudebat / 1604; below image: Coelitus edocta qui pastus ab alite vates / Venerat ad portas parva sarepta tuas: / Munus ait viduae ramalia sparsa tegenti / Exiguum gratus sed Cereale peto. / Cui mulier, tester viventis conscia Iovae / Numina et aeternum quem colis ipse Deum, / Dona laboratae Cereris no ulla, supersunt / Spes oleum et vitae parea farina meae / Pone metum mulier, quin hine abis, inquit Helias, / Et mihi, mox uobis liba parata refers? Nam Deus Abramidûm nostri miseratus ab alto / Haec ait, haec certa percipe dicta fide: / Urna renascentis foccunda farina / Stillantisque olei vena perennis erit. / Donec pacatum laxabit nubila caelum / Et grauis effusis decidet imber aquis. / T. Schreuelius; stamped on verso: 237
About this work
Overview
The Prophet Elijah with the Widow of Zarephath is an engraving on laid paper created by Jan Pietersz. Saenredam in 1604. It is a print that showcases the artist's skill in capturing a biblical scene with intricate detail.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a scene from the Bible where the prophet Elijah is sustained by a widow and her son during a famine. The image conveys a sense of hardship and survival, highlighting the quiet resilience of the figures amidst desolate surroundings.
Technique & Style
Saenredam's work is characterized by fine lines and shading that create depth and emphasize textures. The engraving reflects the Dutch Northern Mannerist tradition, with its use of allegorical imagery drawn from biblical sources.
Context
The print was created during a period when engraving on laid paper was a common medium for printmaking. Saenredam's work as a painter and cartographer, as well as his role as the father of the church interior painter Pieter Jansz. Saenredam, situates this engraving within his broader artistic practice.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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…
