Die Erde. / Daß Feuer. / Die Lufft.

Title

Die Erde. / Daß Feuer. / Die Lufft.

Set of three images depicting the Earth elemants, Earth, Fire, and Air with respective allegories. Above is the title in Latin and a two-line verse; below the sam,e in German. Drawn by Eichler.

ca. 1750

Artist

Hertel (1700-1775)

Johann Georg Hertel (1700 -1775) was a German engraver and publisher.

Historical Description

Allegorical Representation of the Elements of the Earth Based on Post-Biblical Models: Nadab and Abihu were the two eldest sons of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of ancient Israel. They are well-known biblical figures and appear in the Hebrew Bible. Leviticus 10:1-2 describes how Nadab and Abihu offered "strange fire" (fire that did not come from the altar of the sanctuary) before God, which was considered a violation of divine commandments. As a consequence of this disobedience, Nadab and Abihu were killed by God through fire.The Ascension of Elijah: Elijah was a significant prophet in the Old Testament, known for his confrontations with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who worshipped the gods of Baal. Elijah passionately fought to honor the true God of Israel and to lead the people to repentance. In a dramatic moment, Elijah struck the waters of the Jordan River with his mantle, and the waters parted, allowing them to walk through on dry ground. Then, suddenly, a chariot of fire with fiery horses appeared, taking Elijah in a whirlwind out of the sight of Elisha and the other prophets who were watching. Elijah was not taken by death, but directly ascended into heaven.The Story of Korah and the Opening of the Earth:The opening of the earth and the sinking of Korah and his followers is a symbolic event that punishes serious disobedience and rebellion against God's order.