The Raising of Lazarus (after Rembrandt) Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

This is Vincent van Goghs The Raising of Lazarus, a Post-Impressionist interpretation of Rembrandts biblical scene. The painting is characterized by its vibrant, swirling brushstrokes and intense, almost hallucinatory use of color.

What I see:

• Lazarus: On the left, Lazarus lies in a tomb, swathed in white bandages, his face pale and drawn. He is depicted as weak and unresponsive, perhaps only just beginning to stir from death.
• The Woman in Green: Dominating the center is a woman, likely Mary, in a striking emerald green dress. Her arms are outstretched, her face contorted with emotion – a mix of awe, desperation, and perhaps a touch of fear. Her gesture is one of fervent appeal or invocation.
• The Other Woman: To the right, another woman, dressed in darker, earthier tones, observes the scene with a more subdued but still intense expression. Her posture suggests concern and perhaps a dawning realization of the miracle.
• The Landscape: The background is a turbulent swirl of yellow and ochre, suggesting a powerful, almost cosmic energy. A radiant, sun-like orb hangs in the sky, casting an ethereal glow. The landscape itself seems to writhe and breathe with an unseen force, reinforcing the dramatic and miraculous nature of the event.

Subtexts:

• Resurrection and Hope: At its core, the painting is about the power of resurrection and the triumph of life over death. It speaks to the profound human desire for renewal and the hope that even in the face of utter despair, life can be restored.
• Faith and Doubt: The contrasting reactions of the women – one actively pleading, the other more passively witnessing – could represent the complex interplay of faith and doubt that accompanies such a miraculous event. The intensity of their emotions suggests a deep spiritual struggle.
• Van Goghs Personal Struggles: Given Van Goghs own battles with mental illness and his often tumultuous inner life, this painting can be viewed as a reflection of his personal yearning for a spiritual or emotional rebirth. The heightened emotional intensity and the swirling, dynamic energy of the canvas mirror internal turmoil and the desire for catharsis.
• The Divine and the Human: The painting explores the intersection of the divine and the human. The celestial orb suggests a divine presence, while the raw, human emotions of the figures anchor the scene in earthly experience. The miracle bridges these two realms.
• Artistic Interpretation: Van Goghs choice to reimagine Rembrandts work highlights his artistic dialogue with the past. He doesnt simply replicate the scene; he imbues it with his own unique emotional and stylistic vision, emphasizing the psychological and spiritual dimensions over strict narrative accuracy.