The wondrous story of Lazarus inspired Rembrandt to create this masterpiece. According to the Gospel of John, Lazarus, who was a dear friend of Jesus, was critically ill. Mary and Martha, Lazarus' sisters, sent an urgent message to Jesus and requested that Jesus immediately come to Bethany and heal Lazarus. Although Jesus had performed many miracles before the raising of Lazarus, many still doubted Jesus and the power of faith in God. Jesus delayed in traveling to Bethany and Lazarus died. Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus several days after Lazarus' death, and demonstrated the power and glory of God by raising Lazarus from the dead. This was the last miracle Jesus performed before His crucifixion.

"The Raising Of Lazarus" The Larger Plate B.73     

Etching with dry-point and burin ca. 1630  Signed RHL van Ryn f.

14-1/4"x10" 

Tenth and final state

  Posthumous Impression, 1998

In this magnificent work, Rembrandt captures this dramatic and spiritual moment as Jesus commands Lazarus to "come forth" from the dead. The figure of Jesus, seen from a three-quarter back view, is against the dark tomb wall. As Lazarus rises from the dead, Mary and Martha lean over the edge of his tomb, their upraised hands signifying their faith in Jesus and readiness to embrace their beloved brother Lazarus. The faces of onlookers express open-mouthed amazement at Jesus' miracle, as well as the disappointment of the Pharisees who hoped Jesus would fail. Rembrandt heightens the intensity of this drama by the use of distinct lights and darks. Lazarus and the faces of onlookers are bathed in the light of Christ, while the surrounding darkness symbolizes the blackness of death.