Sterfbed van de arme Lazarus 1581 - 1633

Theodoor Galle’s engraving, "Sterfbed van de arme Lazarus," captures a pivotal biblical scene, focusing on Lazarus's ascent to salvation. Angels carry Lazarus’s soul to Abraham's bosom, the soul rendered as a miniature human, representing purity and the divine embrace awaiting him. This motif of angels bearing souls appears throughout art history, from medieval depictions of the Last Judgment to Renaissance renderings of celestial hierarchies. Consider the earlier Roman tradition of winged victories carrying emperors to the heavens, a pagan antecedent transformed to convey Christian ideals. Here, Galle not only illustrates a religious narrative but also taps into a deep-seated human desire for redemption. Lazarus’s peaceful transition contrasts sharply with his earthly suffering, evoking empathy and a sense of hope. The use of light emphasizes the divine intervention, an eternal symbol of promise, subconsciously reassuring viewers of spiritual deliverance. The cyclical journey of this symbol highlights its enduring power, reappearing through ages and evolving into a message of hope.