Resurrection of Lazarus,sketch for the Berlin painting destroyed in 1945 Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The sketch presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a confined space, likely a courtyard or enclosed garden. A central figure, distinguished by his flowing reddish-orange robe and long hair, gestures outwards with an emphatic hand movement. He appears to be the focal point of the composition, commanding attention through both his posture and the vibrant color that sets him apart from the surrounding figures.
Around this central figure are clustered several individuals exhibiting a range of emotional responses. To his left, a woman in white leans forward, her face partially obscured by a veil, conveying grief or profound sorrow. Adjacent to her lies a figure on a stone slab, seemingly lifeless and covered with a shroud. The positioning suggests a recent death or an imminent return from it. Other onlookers are visible behind them, their faces etched with expressions of astonishment and apprehension. Their postures are less defined, contributing to the sense of immediacy and emotional intensity within the scene.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by earth tones – browns, ochres, and grays – which create a somber atmosphere. The use of light is strategic; it highlights the central figure and illuminates his outstretched hand, drawing the viewer’s eye to this pivotal moment. Shadows are deep and pervasive, adding depth and contributing to the overall feeling of solemnity.
The composition feels dynamic despite its apparent stillness. The diagonal lines created by the figures postures and gestures contribute to a sense of movement and anticipation. There is an underlying tension between life and death, hope and despair, which permeates the entire work. The sketch’s unfinished quality – the lack of precise detail in some areas – further enhances this feeling of immediacy, as if the scene were captured mid-action.
Subtly, one detects a sense of theatricality within the arrangement. The figures are posed with deliberate care, suggesting a staged event rather than a spontaneous occurrence. This impression is reinforced by the compressed space and the close proximity of the individuals, which intensifies the emotional impact of the moment.