The Raising of Lazarus, small plate

The Raising of Lazarus, small plate, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1642, is a masterful example of the artist's proficiency and dramatic use of the etching medium. This particular impression is highly valued as the rare first of only two known states, providing insight into the initial stage of Rembrandt’s creative process before subsequent reworkings of the copper plate.

Unlike his earlier, larger, and more elaborate representations of the same biblical subject, this 1642 print is characterized by its intimate scale and intense focus on the moment of resurrection. The composition centers on the commanding figure of Jesus, whose gesture brings forth Lazarus from the gloom of the open tomb. Rembrandt utilizes strong contrasts of light and shadow, highlighting the newly awakened man while plunging the surrounding space into near darkness, a technique that enhances the miraculous atmosphere.

The emotional responses of the attending figures are crucial to the narrative. Groups of men and women frame the central action, their faces registering varying degrees of awe, fear, and wonder at the spectacle. This work showcases Rembrandt’s ability to imbue prints, a readily reproducible medium, with the psychological depth typically associated with painting.

The historical significance of the piece lies in its demonstration of Rembrandt’s mature control over the acid and needle, establishing him as one of the key printmakers of the Dutch Golden Age. This important etching is part of the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As high-quality reproductions of many of these historic prints are often placed into the public domain, art lovers worldwide have access to examine the fine details of this pivotal 17th-century masterpiece.