Jonah Praying

Description

The Old Testament prophet Jonah is shown with his hands raised in prayer. It is unclear which moment of the biblical story of Jonah is depicted here. He may be praying in the belly of the sea monster. He might likewise be pleading with the Lord for the city of Nineveh’s destruction or lamenting the withering of the gourd beneath which he sought shelter after fleeing Nineveh.

Provenance

according to William Wixom, an unconfirmed report tells us that the entire group (1965.237-1965.247) was found in a single, huge pithos or jar. (J. J. Klejman, New York).

Jonah Praying

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280–90 CE

Accession Number

1965.240

Medium

marble

Dimensions

Overall: 47.5 x 14.8 x 20.3 cm (18 11/16 x 5 13/16 x 8 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund