The Raising of Lazarus (1642)

We are delighted to present on our website the etching "The Raising of Lazarus" created by the legendary Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1642. This piece portrays a momentous biblical story drawn from the New Testament, wherein Jesus Christ miraculously brings Lazarus back to life four days after his death, a prelude to the theme of resurrection.Rembrandt's striking composition captures not just the miraculous event but also the intense emotional reactions of the bystanders. In this etching, Jesus is depicted as a serene figure, standing prominently and stretching out his hand towards the shrouded figure of Lazarus, who is beginning to rise from his tomb. The drama is heightened by the varied expressions of awe, fear, and anticipation on the faces of the onlookers, who cluster around the cave solemnly, witnessing this miraculous event.The setting is depicted with rugged terrain and a sketch of a distant landscape, which Rembrandt fashioned using dynamic and expressive line work, contributing to the overarching mood of divine intervention and human astonishment. The masterful use of chiaroscuro—a technique that plays with light and shadow—draws the viewer’s focus instantly towards the central figures of Jesus and Lazarus, emphasizing the pivotal moment of resurrection.This etching not only showcases Rembrandt’s profound ability to capture humanity and divinity but also serves as a profound reflection on life, death, and the hope of renewal.