De hemelvaart van Elia (in doos met 43 tekeningen) 1756

This drawing of The Ascension of Elijah was made by Louis Fabritius Dubourg, probably in the mid-18th century. Rendered in graphite, it depicts the Old Testament prophet Elijah being carried to heaven in a chariot of fire. Visual codes and cultural references abound in this image. In 18th-century Europe, depictions of biblical scenes were common, especially within the circles of the church. This particular image places Elijah in a dynamic, ascending composition, emphasizing the miracle of his divine transportation. The sketch's style, with its delicate lines, suggests a preliminary study, possibly for a larger painting or tapestry. The drawing hints at the intersection of religious narratives and artistic practices of the time. To understand Dubourg's work more fully, scholars might examine the patronage systems and artistic conventions of the Dutch Republic, accessing church records and artists' biographies. The meaning of art is always shaped by its social and institutional context.