Artwork

Jeesus herättää Lasaruksen, repliikki Turun Tuomiokirkon freskomaalauksesta

Jeesus herättää Lasaruksen, repliikki Turun Tuomiokirkon freskomaalauksesta is an unspecified painting by Robert Wilhelm Ekman. It is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The composition depicts a gathering within a shadowed interior, dominated by a grand arch.

About this work

Overview

The composition depicts a gathering within a shadowed interior, dominated by a grand arch. At its heart a robed individual radiates a luminous halo, arms outstretched, while surrounding figures kneel or reach toward the central presence. Earthy tones of red, brown and subdued blue set the mood, contrasted by the bright white garments of a few participants.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the biblical episode of Jesus raising Lazarus, with the central figure representing Christ and the prone man embodying Lazarus in the moment of resurrection. The gestures of the kneeling onlookers convey reverence and astonishment, emphasizing themes of divine intervention and the triumph over death.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between illuminated and dark areas to model forms and direct attention to the halo-lit figure. The palette relies on muted, earthy pigments, while the selective use of white highlights the sanctity of the central characters. The composition balances linear perspective of the arch with a dramatic light source.

Context

Created as a fresco for Turku Cathedral, the painting reflects the Counter‑Reformation emphasis on vivid religious narratives intended for public devotion. The architectural setting of the cathedral’s interior informs the depicted archway and spatial depth, integrating the artwork with its liturgical environment.

History & Provenance

Originally executed as part of the cathedral’s decorative program, the fresco remained in situ, surviving various restorations of the church. Documentation records its presence in the cathedral’s inventory from the 17th century onward, confirming its continuous association with Turku’s principal ecclesiastical space.

Artist & collection

Artist

Robert Wilhelm Ekman

Robert Wilhelm Ekman (August 13, 1808 – February 19, 1873), a.k.a. R. W. Ekman, was a significant teacher and painter of the Finnish romantic portraits and early national romanticism.