The Meeting of Christ with Martha and Mary after the Death of Lazarus

The Meeting of Christ with Martha and Mary after the Death of Lazarus by Rembrandt van Rijn is a profound example of 17th-century Netherlandish drawing, created late in the artist’s life, circa 1662-1665. Executed primarily with a reed pen and brown ink and wash, this classification of artwork utilizes the spontaneous, expressive line typical of Rijn's final style. The work depicts the poignant Biblical scene from the Gospel of John, where the sisters appeal to Christ following the death of their brother Lazarus, moments before his resurrection.

Rijn heightened the dramatic effect by applying white gouache to selectively illuminate the heads of the kneeling figures, focusing the viewer’s attention on Martha and Mary’s supplication. This technique emphasizes the emotional vulnerability of the sisters as they confront Christ. The rapid, gestural application of the ink conveys urgency and immediacy, capturing the pivotal moment of faith and sorrow that defined much of the Dutch Golden Age art tradition.

This powerful drawing reflects Rijn's sustained focus on Biblical narrative during his career in the Netherlands. Although the master is globally celebrated for his paintings and prints, his numerous drawings offer unparalleled insight into his compositional process. Preserved in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, this masterwork continues to be studied as a definitive example of Dutch draftsmanship. Works like this, demonstrating Rijn's mastery of light and emotion, are often foundational studies for subsequent prints and are frequently reproduced in the public domain for scholarly study.