The Raising of Lazarus 1595 - 1616

Jacques Bellange’s “The Raising of Lazarus” is a print made sometime in the early 17th century. Bellange was working in Lorraine during a period of relative peace and prosperity, which fostered an environment for artistic experimentation and expression. Here, Bellange turns to the New Testament story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. But rather than illustrating a moment of unequivocal triumph, Bellange shows a scene teeming with complex reactions. The newly resurrected Lazarus seems caught between worlds. Above him, a group of onlookers appear to be aristocratic figures. The opulence of their garments contrasts sharply with the bare flesh of Lazarus and the ordinary clothes of those who attend him. Do they believe what they are seeing, or do they question the spectacle? This composition invites us to consider the multiple perspectives and emotional registers present in moments of transformation, both personal and collective. It’s a reminder that societal change is never a singular event but a complex tapestry of individual experiences and interpretations.