An Oil on Board Showing Episodes from the Life of the Prophet Isaiah

A fascinating late 16th / early 17th oil painting by continental hand, most probably Northern Italian, imitating the style of Ottoman art.

This is visible in the idealised costumes of the figures and in the compositions made of three separate episodes, recalling the illustrations of antique manuscripts.

The scenes narrate episodes from the life of the prophet Isaiah: in the foreground the prophet is standing on the left while presenting his eldest son to King Ahaz of Judah, following God's command.

In the background to left a king, possibly Hezekiah or his son Manasseh, is sitting on the throne of Jerusalem. The final scene on the right background depicts the martyrdom of the prophets, where Isaiah is sawn alive in two inside a hollow tree.

Ref: 6558

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