The fiery ascension is one of the most popular scenes from the Life of the Prophet Elijah which was often depicted in late-15th-century icons. This is a multi-figure composition featuring scenes from the life of Elijah, an Old Testament saint. In the center, there is a large image of the prophet who lived in the wilderness during a severe drought. In the Book of Kings, Elijah is described as a,

This is how he is depicted in this icon.

Elijah is shown seated near the entrance to a dark cave with a river at his feet and hills behind him. He is wearing a white scarf, a red chiton with a belt, and a green mantle. In his left hand, he holds a thin staff. Elijah has a detached look on his face, focused on serving the Lord. In the upper part of the icon, Elijah ascends to heaven in a chariot of fire, dropping his mantle to his disciple Elisha, as a symbol of their prophetic calling. In the top left corner, the Lord of Hosts blesses Elijah.

Elijah (whose name is translated from Hebrew as “My God is Yahweh”) is one of the most prominent prophets of the Old Testament. He bravely defended the faith in one God, while also exposing idolatry. Jewish and Christian writings alike say that Elijah was allowed to enter heaven alive,

He was the second person to enter heaven alive after Enoch who had lived prior to Noah’s flood.

The main source of information about Saint Elijah is the Old Testament which served as the basis for later texts such as prayers, “The Song of Praise for the Prophet Elijah”, and the famous “Life of the Prophet Elijah.”