The Raising of Lazarus: Small Plate

The Raising of Lazarus: Small Plate, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1642, is a powerful example of 17th-century graphic arts. This print, executed using the technique of etching, demonstrates Rijn’s enduring skill in manipulating line and shadow to evoke deep emotional and spiritual drama. Dating from the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this small-scale work revisits the biblical narrative of Christ raising Lazarus from the dead, a theme the artist had previously explored in a much grander format.

The artist uses the etching medium brilliantly to focus on the contrast between the blinding light of the miracle and the deep gloom of the tomb. Christ is depicted standing above the dark recess, commanding Lazarus to emerge, while surrounding figures recoil in awe and disbelief. The psychological intensity Rijn achieves through minimal means underscores why his prints were so widely valued across Europe.

Working in the Netherlands, Rijn was renowned for approaching profound religious subjects with an unmatched realism and focus on human emotion. This specific interpretation, classified as a print, allows for a concentrated study of Rijn's compositional choices and masterful use of light, often referred to as chiaroscuro in painting. The original piece is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As with many significant works from this period, high-quality images of these historic prints are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring Rijn’s legacy remains accessible for global academic study.