Opwekking van Lazarus c. 1774 - 1789

Curator: Here we have Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine’s “Opwekking van Lazarus”, or "The Raising of Lazarus" as we'd say in English, an engraving dating from around 1774 to 1789. Editor: The mood is immediately striking. It's shrouded in darkness, but then illuminated with these dynamic sweeps of light. A real study in chiaroscuro. You feel the somber quality of it deeply just looking at the process alone. Curator: Absolutely. Norblin was known for capturing these dramatic moments, and placing them within very specific socio-political frameworks. Religious paintings like these would appeal to very wealthy patrons interested in upholding tradition in a rapidly changing world. Editor: And the means he's chosen to reproduce this scene - engraving - it allows for precise lines and meticulous detail, right? You can see every fold of fabric, every gesture expressing emotion and those tonal contrasts. Curator: Indeed. Think about the economics of engraving during that period. It was a meticulous, highly skilled, and often collaborative endeavor and allowed the dissemination of images and ideologies to a wide audience. How artists positioned themselves to take commissions determined the popularity. Editor: And considering the labor invested in engraving as a technique, it feels at odds with the apparent miracle portrayed here. There’s a tension between this belief and the time it must’ve taken to produce the image that adds another layer, doesn’t it? Curator: Certainly. Also, notice how the artist presents Lazarus almost stage-lit within the dark and almost cramped scene. It really speaks to Baroque dramatic styles meant to connect faith with the power and money to perpetuate religious values. Editor: I see your point. This engraving, through its material choices, scale, and careful process, acts almost like a miniature stage production with Norblin at the reigns. Thanks, that brings such perspective. Curator: And I appreciated how your close looking directed us back to the actual labor embedded in the artwork itself!