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The Raising of Lazarus by Gozzoli, Benozzo

Gozzoli, Benozzo · mid 1490s

Benozzo Gozzoli's "The Raising of Lazarus," painted around 1494, captures the intense human emotion surrounding one of the Bible's most dramatic miracles. Currently held in a private collection, this painting showcases Gozzoli's blend of Renaissance naturalism and International Gothic detail, learned from his master, Fra Angelico.

Look closely at the figures witnessing Lazarus's resurrection. From the profound grief of the kneeling Mary to the astonished expressions of the disciples, Gozzoli masterfully conveys the weight and wonder of the moment. The woman in the pink robe, with her open hands, perfectly encapsulates the awe of seeing the dead return to life.

Gozzoli, a prolific fresco painter, was known for his vibrant narrative scenes and meticulous attention to detail, famously seen in the Magi Chapel. This work, possibly an oil on canvas, reflects his skill in rendering human emotion and grounding biblical stories in relatable human experience.

The painting invites us to consider not just the miracle itself, but its profound impact on those who witnessed it. What would it have felt like to be there?

Details

This woman, Mary, kneels in pure grief for her brother.
This woman, Mary, kneels in pure grief for her brother.
He was dead for four days when Christ called him.
He was dead for four days when Christ called him.
Her hands open in wonder as he emerges from the tomb.
Her hands open in wonder as he emerges from the tomb.
He captures every witness's awe at this impossible miracle.
He captures every witness's awe at this impossible miracle.
Their varied reactions, astonishment, contemplation, show a range of human responses to the divine intervention.
Their varied reactions, astonishment, contemplation, show a range of human responses to the divine intervention.
Transcript

Christ raises Lazarus. But look at the crowd. This woman, Mary, kneels in pure grief for her brother. He was dead for four days when Christ called him. Her hands open in wonder as he emerges from the tomb. The painter was Benozzo Gozzoli, a student of Fra Angelico. He captures every witness's awe at this impossible miracle.