Colijns, David – De hemelvaart van Elia, 1627 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a dramatic narrative unfolding across a landscape divided into distinct zones. The foreground is dominated by dense foliage and shadow, creating a sense of enclosure and mystery. A figure, identifiable as a prophet through his long hair and flowing robes, stands in this shadowed area, gesturing upwards with an extended arm and staff. His posture conveys both supplication and farewell.
Beyond the immediate foreground, the landscape opens up to reveal a more expansive vista. The middle ground is characterized by a cluster of dark trees, obscuring much of the background but hinting at depth. The artist employed a limited palette here, relying on muted greens and browns to establish a somber atmosphere.
The upper portion of the painting depicts a celestial event. A fiery vortex dominates the sky, illuminated by an intense orange glow that contrasts sharply with the darker tones below. Within this swirling light, a chariot pulled by white horses ascends towards the heavens. The figure within the chariot raises his arms in what appears to be a gesture of triumph or ascension.
The use of chiaroscuro is significant throughout the work. The stark contrast between the shadowed foreground and the brightly lit sky emphasizes the spiritual nature of the event being depicted. The darkness serves not only as a compositional element but also suggests a sense of awe, reverence, and perhaps even melancholy associated with departure or transcendence.
Subtly, there is an interplay between earthly and divine realms. The prophet’s grounded presence in the foreground contrasts sharply with the ethereal ascent taking place above. This juxtaposition highlights the separation between the mortal world and the realm of the divine. The inclusion of a small group of figures observing from a distance further reinforces this sense of witnessing a momentous, otherworldly occurrence. Their posture suggests both wonder and perhaps a degree of fear or uncertainty in the face of such power. The overall effect is one of profound spiritual significance conveyed through carefully orchestrated light, shadow, and composition.