The Raising of Lazarus, probably 1497, 65.5x80.5 c Benozzo (Benozzo di Lese) Gozzoli (c.1420-1497)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a confined space, likely a courtyard or enclosed area. A central figure, draped in flowing robes and with a pronounced beard, gestures towards a man emerging from what appears to be a stone slab or tomb. This individual, newly resurrected, is partially clothed and seems disoriented, his posture suggesting a return to life that is both miraculous and unsettling.
Several onlookers are arranged around this central action. To the left, three figures observe with varying degrees of emotion; one in elaborate robes appears to be gesturing towards the event, while another displays an expression of concern or perhaps awe. A fourth figure stands closer to the resurrected man, his face partially obscured but conveying a sense of solemnity.
At the foreground, a woman kneels, her posture expressing profound grief and supplication. She reaches out with one hand, as if in desperate appeal, while the other grasps a staff for support. Her dark clothing contrasts sharply with the warmer tones dominating the rest of the scene, drawing attention to her emotional state.
The color palette is dominated by earthy browns, ochres, and yellows, creating a somber and somewhat muted atmosphere. The lighting appears diffused, casting shadows that deepen the sense of drama and mystery. Theres an intentional flatness to the perspective; depth isn’t emphasized, which contributes to a theatrical quality.
The arrangement of figures suggests a hierarchical structure, with the central figure commanding attention through his gesture and position. The resurrected man is not presented as triumphant or powerful, but rather vulnerable and bewildered, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event. The kneeling womans grief serves as an emotional counterpoint to the resurrection, emphasizing the profound impact of death and its reversal.
Subtly, there’s a sense of psychological complexity at play. The expressions on the faces of the onlookers are not uniformly reverent; some suggest doubt or apprehension, hinting at the unsettling nature of defying natural laws. The overall effect is one of intense drama, spiritual significance, and a nuanced exploration of human emotion in the face of the divine.