The Raising of Lazarus: The Larger Plate

The Raising of Lazarus: The Larger Plate by Rembrandt van Rijn is a monumental etching and engraving created during a formative period in the artist’s career, dated between 1627 and 1637. This exceptional print is cataloged specifically as the fifth state of nine (New Holl.), illustrating the deliberate, complex process Rembrandt used to achieve his desired effects in his graphic work.

The composition draws heavily on the biblical narrative of Christ performing the ultimate miracle: resurrecting the recently deceased Lazarus. Rembrandt focuses intensely on the atmosphere of the tomb, using the darkness achieved through dense cross-hatching to accentuate the divine light emanating from Christ. The surrounding figures—the disciples, women, and the astonished men pulling back the burial cloth—are rendered with sharp psychological precision, their reactions ranging from awe to terror at the sudden, powerful command. The intensity of this print solidifies its reputation as one of the great early achievements of the Dutch Golden Age.

Rembrandt’s profound exploration of chiaroscuro in his graphic work demonstrates his mastery of both etching and engraving techniques, creating textures and tonal variations rarely achieved in the medium. These highly detailed prints circulated widely, contributing significantly to the artist’s fame throughout Europe.

This powerful depiction of faith and resurrection is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a historical work of such stature, high-quality images of the artwork are frequently available within the public domain, ensuring this pivotal achievement remains accessible for scholarly study and appreciation.