The Prophet Elijah Awakened in the Desert by an Angel 1624 - 1625

"The Prophet Elijah Awakened in the Desert by an Angel," a monumental painting by Italian Baroque artist Giovanni Lanfranco (1582-1647), depicts the biblical moment when the prophet Elijah is awoken in the desert by an angel. Created in 1624-25, the painting showcases Lanfranco's mastery of chiaroscuro, dramatically contrasting light and shadow to create a sense of movement and intensity. The angel, with wings outstretched, points towards a distant light, while Elijah, awaking from his slumber, gestures with his hand in a gesture of surprise and wonder. This dynamic composition and use of light, characteristic of Baroque style, infuses the scene with a sense of divine intervention, a pivotal moment in the story of the prophet. The painting is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.