Eusebius of Cremona Raising Three Men from the Dead with Saint Jerome’s Cloak Raphael (1483-1520)

This painting depicts a dramatic religious scene with a group of people in a landscape. In the foreground, three men lie on the ground, seemingly lifeless. Two are in the process of being revived, their eyes open and postures suggesting a return to consciousness. A central, elderly figure, identified as Eusebius of Cremona, is depicted in the act of raising his cloak, which is draped over the prone figures. He appears to be the agent of this miraculous revival.
Surrounding the central event is a crowd of onlookers. On the left, a group of men in richly colored garments and hats observe with varied expressions of awe and concern. On the right, another group watches, some with hands clasped in prayer, indicating their belief or hope in the miracle. The landscape behind them is hilly and distant, with a hint of a settlement or city on a far-off ridge, suggesting the event takes place in a recognized, perhaps holy, location. The sky is a pale blue, contributing to the overall somber yet hopeful mood.
The subtext of the painting lies in its demonstration of divine power and the efficacy of sacred relics. The title explicitly states that Saint Jeromes cloak is involved, implying that its touch or presence brings about the resurrection. This highlights the medieval and Renaissance belief in the power of saints and their associated objects to perform miracles. The painting serves as a visual testament to faith, divine intervention, and the veneration of saints within the Christian tradition. The contrast between the lifeless bodies and the animated onlookers, along with the focused intensity of Eusebius, emphasizes the transformative power of faith and miracles.