Widow of Zarephat

Description

The unnamed widow in this story is visited by the prophet Elijah who commands her to prepare a small meal for him. At first she demurs, claiming that she has nothing to offer and that she and her son are starving and will die on the morrow. But as Elijah persists, she finds the faith to make him a small cake, and the miracle that follows is one of plenty and sustenance: “And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah; and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the work of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.” (Kings I)

It’s unclear in the painting whether Elijah has yet to enter or if he has already ascended the staircase on the right and departed. Yet the full bottle of oil on the table is a hint that perhaps the miracle has already taken place.

Giclee on canvas mounted on sintra; or giclee on acid-free watercolor pape; or giclee on archival matte paper