Artwork
Dives and Lazarus (Left Panel)

Dives and Lazarus (Left Panel) is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Baptist Jackson. It dates from 1743 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1743, the left panel of *Dives and Lazarus* is a chiaroscuro woodcut executed with four separate blocks.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1743, the left panel of *Dives and Lazarus* is a chiaroscuro woodcut executed with four separate blocks. The print combines buff, brown, and two gray tones on laid paper, producing a layered tonal range that emphasizes depth and volume.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts the biblical parable of the rich man, Dives, and the destitute Lazarus. Dives is shown at a table, richly dressed and eating, while Lazarus crouches on the ground, gazing upward, highlighting the stark social and moral contrast central to the story.
Technique & Style
Jackson employed a multi‑block method, overlaying oil‑based inks to achieve subtle color variations. The strong chiaroscuro contrasts—light against a dark, atmospheric background—create a three‑dimensional effect typical of Baroque visual drama, while occasional embossing enhances highlighted areas.
History & Provenance
British printmaker John Baptist Jackson, active in the eighteenth century, produced the work while working in Paris and Venice. Known for advancing color woodcut printing, he often reproduced oil paintings rather than drawing‑like designs, reflecting his innovative approach to the medium.
Context
The print belongs to the Baroque period’s fascination with dramatic lighting and emotional intensity. By translating a biblical narrative into a richly toned woodcut, Jackson aligned his work with contemporary tastes for theatrical composition and moral storytelling.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Baptist Jackson (1701–1780) was a British artist, a woodcut printmaker of the eighteenth century.







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