Artwork
The Raising of Lazarus
The Raising of Lazarus is an oil painting. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Jesus Christ stands at center, commanding Lazarus of Bethany to rise from the dead, while Mary Magdalene is also present among the figures.
The painting depicts the biblical miracle of the Raising of Lazarus, drawn from the Gospel of John. Jesus Christ stands at center, commanding Lazarus of Bethany to rise from the dead, while Mary Magdalene is also present among the figures. The scene captures the resurrection as the main subject, rendered in oil paint on panel.
As a religious work by a follower of Rembrandt, it belongs to the tradition of Dutch Golden Age biblical painting, using dramatic narrative to convey spiritual themes of divine power over death and redemption.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1630, this religious painting utilizes oil paint applied to a wooden panel support. The work measures 43.5 cm in height and 36.8 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece is attributed to a follower of Rembrandt, depicting the biblical narrative of the Raising of Lazarus.
The composition features central figures including Jesus Christ, Lazarus of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene. While the specific handling of the brushwork and current physical condition are not detailed in the available records, the material construction and dimensions are established facts of the object's history.
History & Provenance
The work dates to 1630, placing it within Rembrandt’s early Leiden period. It was later in the collection of Charles Sedelmeyer before passing to Charles Yerkes. By 1926 it belonged to Emilie Grigsby, who lent it to the Art Institute of Chicago, where it entered the permanent collection.
The painting’s small oak panel format suggests a private devotional commission rather than a church commission.
The Raising of Lazarus, a 1630 oil painting on panel attributed to a follower of Rembrandt, is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work measures 43.5 cm in height and 36.8 cm in width. Prior to its current location, the painting was owned by Charles Sedelmeyer, Charles Yerkes, and Emilie Grigsby.
The provided sources do not contain specific accession numbers or a record of past exhibitions for this artwork.
Overview
The Raising of Lazarus is an oil painting that depicts a dimly illuminated interior scene. Central to the composition is a figure on a bed, swathed in cloth, whose gaze is directed upward. Around the bed, a small group of onlookers leans forward, while one individual stands, arm raised in a gestural emphasis toward the ceiling.
Context
Within the tradition of Baroque religious art, the composition reflects a focus on emotional engagement and theatrical lighting. By concentrating the viewer’s eye on the central gesture and the figure’s expression, the work aligns with contemporary efforts to make biblical stories immediate and visceral for the audience.
Artist & collection
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The Erection of the Brazen Serpent- The Raising of Lazarus