The Raising of Lazarus c. 1530 - 1535

"The Raising of Lazarus" (c. 1530-1535) by Aertgen Claesz. van Leyden depicts the biblical miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. The painting showcases the dramatic moment with a focus on the emotional interaction between the two figures, Jesus and Lazarus, as Lazarus walks out of the tomb. The artist masterfully employs a narrow vertical format, typical of devotional paintings of the time, to draw the viewer's eye toward the central figures. Despite the small scale of the artwork (69.6 cm x 28.1 cm), the artist's attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the figures' expressions and drapery, creates a sense of intimacy and realism. This intimate portrait of a pivotal biblical event likely resonated with both religious and secular audiences in 16th-century Europe.