Elisa ziet de hemelvaart van Elia 1579

This anonymous engraving, entitled Elisa Siet de Hemelvaart van Elia, depicts the biblical scene of Elijah's ascension to heaven in a fiery chariot, witnessed by Elisha. Made in the Netherlands, the print is an intriguing example of the cultural fusion prevalent during the Dutch Golden Age. The detailed ornamentation surrounding the central image blends classical motifs with biblical narrative, a common feature in Dutch art responding to the rise of secular humanism. Dutch artists and patrons were keen to use biblical imagery to tell stories in a way that reflects the moral values of the time. To fully understand this image, we need to research the religious and social context in which it was created. Who was the intended audience? What was the role of religion in their lives? Such questions help us appreciate the cultural work performed by even the smallest of images.