The Rich Man and Lazarus 1879

Helene Schjerfbeck created this drawing, "The Rich Man and Lazarus," with ink on paper. It presents a parable illustrating themes of inequality, social responsibility, and divine justice. Schjerfbeck was a Finnish artist who lived through a time of immense social change in Europe. This work highlights the divide between the wealthy, represented by the aloof, central figure, and the impoverished Lazarus, who is shown begging. It is a timeless story with a long history in the visual arts. Given the context of late 19th and early 20th century Europe, with its stark class divisions and emerging socialist movements, such a work can be seen as a commentary on the moral obligations of the rich towards the poor. Schjerfbeck's choice to depict this particular biblical scene speaks to the role of religious narratives in shaping discussions around social justice and responsibility. To understand the complexities of this artwork further, one can explore religious and social histories of the era, theological interpretations of the parable, and critical analyses of social inequality in Europe.