The Raising of Lazarus

About this artwork

drager: hoogte 65,5 cm x breedte 83,5 cm

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Raising of Lazarus*, captivating oil on canvas by Italian late Baroque master Alessandro Magnasco, created between 1715 and1740. Measuring 65.5 x 83.5 cm, this work depicts the biblical miracle from the Gospel of John, where resurrects his friend Lazarus from the tomb, surrounded by astonished mourners. Magnasco, often called the "pittore di rovine for his evocative ruins and shadowy monastic scenes, brings dramatic intensity to this sacred narrative, blending spirituality with his signature tenebrism—sharp contrasts of light and shadow that heighten emotion and mystery. Painted during Magnasco's mature period in Genoa and Milan, the artwork exemplifies his innovative technique: loose, flickering brushstrokes that suggest rather than define forms, creating an ethereal, almost ghostly atmosphere. Oil on canvas allowed him to layer luminous highlights against deep darkness, emphasizing the divine intervention amid human turmoil. This piece reflects the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on miraculous faith, resonating in 18th-century Italy where art served both devotion and spectacle. Housed in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, *The Raising of Lazarus* invites visitors to ponder life's fragility and resurrection's hope. Magnasco's unconventional style bridges Baroque grandeur with emerging Rococo whimsy, making it a gem for those exploring European religious art's emotional depths.

About the Artist

Alessandro Magnasco · 1667–1749

Comment on works: Religious