Elisha Multiplies the Widow's Oil c. 17th century

Curator: Ryckemans’ engraving, “Elisha Multiplies the Widow's Oil,” presents a scene of divine intervention. It’s a story from the Old Testament. Editor: The etching feels stark, almost urgent. The textures, created through fine lines, give it a sense of immediacy. Curator: Ryckemans emphasizes the social hierarchy through the figures’ positioning. Elisha's authority is visually reinforced by his height and central placement. Editor: I see desperation in the widow’s posture, a woman on her knees, contrasted with the men who stand as bystanders to her plight. Curator: The setting, a village bustling with activity, places this miracle within the everyday lives of ordinary people. Editor: It's a reminder of faith and power intersecting with the lived realities of women in historical narratives, and that the personal is always political. Curator: Indeed, the image speaks to a hope for justice in a world often defined by hardship. Editor: Absolutely, and this engraving invites us to reflect on how those struggles persist and evolve.