Who painted The Resurrection of Lazarus?

The Resurrection of Lazarus was painted by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione in 1648.

Where can I see The Resurrection of Lazarus?

The Resurrection of Lazarus is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Resurrection of Lazarus?

The Resurrection of Lazarus is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Resurrection of Lazarus?

Museum-quality prints of The Resurrection of Lazarus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Resurrection of Lazarus

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione , 1648

The Resurrection of Lazarus is a print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1648, this print by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione—known in Italy as Il Grechetto and in France as Le Benédette—belongs to the Baroque period and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. It visualizes the Gospel of John episode in which Christ raises Lazarus from the dead, employing the dramatic intensity typical of the era.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a figure identified as Jesus, whose outstretched arm directs attention to a group of onlookers gathered around a tomb. Their gestures—covering faces, gazing upward—convey astonishment at the miracle of resurrection, emphasizing the theological theme of divine power over death.

Technique & Style

Castiglione utilizes strong chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with a luminous source emanating from the tomb’s interior. This interplay of light and dark creates volumetric forms and guides the eye toward the central action, while the print’s line work reflects the artist’s skill in etching and his experimental approach to monotype techniques.

History & Provenance

The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings after passing through several private collections, though specific acquisition details remain limited. Castiglione’s reputation as an innovator in printmaking, particularly for developing monotyping, contributed to the piece’s scholarly interest.

Context

Operating within the Genoese school, Castiglione’s prints often dramatize biblical narratives, aligning with the theatrical sensibilities of Baroque art. The resurrection theme resonated with contemporary Counter‑Reformation emphasis on miracles as evidence of Christ’s authority.

Legacy

While Castiglione is more widely remembered for his oil paintings, his prints—including this depiction of Lazarus—demonstrate his influence on later printmakers exploring light effects and narrative vigor, reinforcing his role in the evolution of Baroque graphic art.