The Raising of Lazarus 1598 - 1602

This is Jan Muller's "The Raising of Lazarus," a 16th-century engraving now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition is a masterclass in dramatic tension and dynamic arrangement, achieved through stark contrasts of light and shadow. The scene bursts forth with baroque energy. Notice how Muller uses a complex arrangement of figures to create a sense of depth, drawing our eyes from the foreground towards the illuminated figure of Christ at the center. Lazarus's body, pallid and limp, is starkly contrasted with the active gestures of those around him. The formal structure suggests a deeper thematic exploration. The use of light as a symbolic element emphasizes the divine intervention. The densely packed composition heightens the emotional intensity of the scene. The artwork invites a continuous interpretation. It reminds us that art is not just about what we see, but about how it challenges and reshapes our understanding.