Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn – The Raising of Lazarus Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The composition is dominated by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of the artists style. A central figure, clad in dark robes with a lighter undergarment visible at the throat and sleeves, raises his arm towards the heavens. His gesture commands attention, drawing the viewer’s eye into the heart of the scene. He stands on a set of stone steps leading down to an open tomb.
Several figures surround him, their faces illuminated by the intense light emanating from the central figures raised hand. Their expressions are varied: astonishment, reverence, and disbelief are all discernible. One woman kneels in the foreground, her face tilted upwards in what appears to be a gesture of supplication or profound emotion. A group of men stand behind her, their faces partially obscured by shadow but clearly engaged with the unfolding event.
Within the tomb itself, a figure emerges, wrapped in white linen. The pallor of his skin contrasts sharply with the darker tones surrounding him, emphasizing his resurrection from death. He appears to be slowly rising, supported by unseen forces.
The artist has employed a restricted palette, primarily utilizing browns, blacks, and whites, punctuated by touches of purple and ochre. This limited range contributes to the somber and weighty atmosphere of the scene. The darkness enveloping much of the composition serves not only as a visual device but also as a symbolic representation of death and the unknown.
Beyond the immediate narrative, several subtexts emerge. The positioning of the figures suggests a hierarchy – the central figure holds authority, while those around him are witnesses to his power. The inclusion of onlookers implies that this event is not merely personal but carries broader significance for the community present. The careful rendering of facial expressions and body language conveys a sense of psychological depth, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, mortality, and divine intervention. The discarded objects – a lantern and what appears to be ceremonial weaponry – in the upper right corner add an element of narrative complexity, hinting at the disruption of established order and the triumph of spiritual power over earthly concerns.