The Raising of Lazarus c. 1750 - 1765

Johann Georg Trautmann's oil on canvas, "The Raising of Lazarus," captures a pivotal New Testament scene with dramatic flair. Light radiates from Christ, a divine beacon cutting through the darkness of death. Lazarus, shrouded, emerges from his tomb, a symbol of resurrection and the triumph over mortality. Consider the hand gestures. Christ’s outstretched arm mirrors ancient depictions of orators, channeling divine power. But this gesture also evokes earlier images of emperors or gods bestowing life or judgment. Similarly, the reactions of those witnessing the miracle—a mix of awe, fear, and disbelief—echo classical motifs of human response to the sublime. The image touches upon our collective fears and hopes surrounding death, resurrection and rebirth. It speaks to a deep-seated human desire to overcome mortality, as seen across cultures and eras. Through this symbol, the painting offers a glimpse into the enduring power of hope and faith.