Italian 17th Century "Raising of Lazarus" Oil Painting
This 17th c. Italian painting on its original canvas represents the miraculous 1st c. CE resurrection by Jesus of St. Lazarus of Bethany (a small town inhabited since the 6th c. BCE, near Jerusalem), whose miracle went recorded in the New Testament (Gospel of John, 11: 1-46). Lazarus, wearing a tachrichim (loose white clothing resembling a mummified wrap or a burial shroud), is one of the few souls recorded in the Bible to have been raised from the grave. Approximately twenty spectators stand around Lazarus, in awe of the miracle; and the drama of the scene is enhanced by dark storm clouds. A restoration of the miracle of life is the underlying meaning of the work.

Since the time of this event, Lazarus? tomb in Bethany has remained a steady place of pilgrimage for the past 2000+ years; and the scene has attracted many artists since that time. Here Lazarus rises among a capriccio of ancient Roman ruins, a mix of those found in Bethany and others seen in Rome?presumably the 17th c. location of the Roman-based painter of the scene. The ?veduta" style of painting, focusing on ruined Roman temples, basilicas, baths, arches of triumph, sarcophagi, etc., was made popular during the era of The Grand Tour and into the 18th c. by Piranesi, Vanvitelli and Panini.
35 x 49 1/2 inches