The Raising of Lazarus

The Raising of Lazarus by Vincent van Gogh

Description: "The Raising of Lazarus" by Vincent van Gogh is a powerful and spiritually evocative painting created in 1890, inspired by the Biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This artwork is based on a black-and-white lithograph by the French artist Rembrandt van Rijn, whose work van Gogh deeply admired. In van Gogh's interpretation, the scene is infused with his characteristic vibrant colors and emotional intensity. The painting depicts Lazarus rising from his grave, with his sisters, Mary and Martha, shown in the foreground expressing a mixture of awe, joy, and disbelief. Unlike many traditional depictions, van Gogh does not include the figure of Christ; instead, he focuses on the miraculous moment itself, suggesting that the divine is present in the act rather than in a figure.

Van Gogh uses a rich, dynamic palette dominated by yellows, greens, and blues, with thick, expressive brushstrokes that give the scene a sense of movement and immediacy. The sun, large and golden, takes a central place in the painting, possibly symbolizing the divine light or the transformative power of faith and hope. This work reflects van Gogh's intense spiritual longing and his exploration of themes of suffering, redemption, and resurrection, all of which were central to his personal struggles and artistic vision.

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, often explored religious and spiritual themes throughout his career, especially during his later years. "The Raising of Lazarus" was painted during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a period marked by both creative intensity and personal turmoil. This painting demonstrates his ability to reinterpret classic themes through his unique use of color, form, and emotional depth.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, 1890.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: The Raising of Lazarus.
• Artwork Style: Post-Impressionism.
• Subject/Topic: A Biblical scene depicting the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, capturing themes of faith, redemption, and divine power with vibrant colors and expressive brushwork.