Elias (Elijah) Under Juniper Tree. (Elias Sub Junipero)

40 x 24.5 cm (15.5 x 9.75 inches)
This antique copper plate engraving was made in 1731 for Scheuchzer's incredible Physica Sacra.
It has hand painted water colouring embellished with metallic gold/silver paint. The engraving is on chain lined paper with strong plate marks. The paper has a lovely aged, creamy white patina and is in excellent condition.
Elias (aka Eliijah) is a miracle worker and messenger of god in Hebrew, Christian and Islamic religions. He has to endure 40 days in the wilderness. In this scene, Elias sleeps beneath a Juniper tree, feeling hopeless. In the story, an angel visits him and gives him bread and water, giving Elias strength and hope. Reg. Cap. XIX.v.4.s