The Ascension of Elijah 1627

David Colijns’s “The Ascension of Elijah” was made with oil on a wooden support, sometime in the 17th century. The choice of oil paint is significant. It was embraced for its capacity to capture light and atmosphere, creating a vivid sensory experience. Colijns skillfully lays down thins layers of paint, building up the drama of the scene and adding to the overall sense of movement. The careful application of paint is a labor-intensive act, and the artist has fully committed to creating a high level of resolution and detail, in the service of a biblical subject. The artist’s labor and artistry are what give the scene its captivating quality. Colijn’s decision to work with traditional materials and processes elevates the subject matter. It underscores the importance of skill, time, and artistry in creating an image that is at once awe-inspiring and deeply moving.