Raising of Lazarus c. 19th century

Curator: This engraving depicts Robert William Sievier’s “Raising of Lazarus”, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It’s interesting how this print captures a moment of apparent miracle. Editor: The texture is amazing, especially in the rendering of the figures—they almost emerge from the paper itself. The engraver's attention to line and shadow creates a tangible sense of drama. Curator: Absolutely, and let's consider the social and political implications. Sievier offers us an early 19th century lens through which the themes of power, faith, and the miraculous intersect with class and societal expectations of the time. Editor: And it makes me wonder about the labour involved in its making. The engraver's skill and dedication are embedded in the work—a physical manifestation of his time and effort, as well as the publisher who commissioned the print. Curator: It really compels us to examine how narratives of resurrection and divine intervention play out, and it’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Editor: Yes, a potent reminder of the many hands, minds, and materials needed to bring an image like this to life and how it reflects its time.