Raising of Lazarus 1675

Luca Giordano painted this dramatic scene of the Raising of Lazarus sometime in the 17th century. Giordano lived in Naples during a time of great political upheaval and social change. The Kingdom of Naples was under Spanish rule, marked by heavy taxation, poverty, and revolts. The painting captures a pivotal moment from the New Testament, as Jesus performs a miracle, bringing Lazarus back to life. This was a radical divergence from traditional narratives. Look at the emotional intensity Giordano conveys through his use of light and shadow, the vivid expressions on the faces of the onlookers. Here, class and gender roles are pronounced, reflecting the rigid social hierarchy of the time. Wealthier women are depicted closest to Christ. Giordano uses the story of Lazarus to reflect on the themes of life, death, and the possibility of resurrection. The artist invites us to consider our own beliefs and feelings about mortality and spirituality, in a world that often feels unjust.