Lazarus 1600 - 1605

Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus, made this drawing of Lazarus with pen and brown ink with brown wash, over black chalk, on paper. The image evokes the biblical story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, but it also speaks to the social and religious climate of 16th-century Europe. Stradanus was a Flemish artist working in Florence, Italy, during the Counter-Reformation. The Catholic Church was responding to the challenge of the Protestant Reformation by reaffirming its doctrines and promoting religious art. This drawing is a testament to that moment. Consider the specific features of the Italian culture at the time. This drawing would have served to promote faith, inspire devotion, and assert the Church's authority. It encouraged the faithful to emulate Lazarus's faith and gratitude, reinforcing the Church's teachings and values. To gain a deeper understanding of this work, scholars consult a range of historical sources, including religious texts, theological treatises, and accounts of artistic patronage and cultural exchange. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.