Artwork
The Raising of Lazarus
The Raising of Lazarus is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Legend of the Magdalene. It dates from 1517 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
The Raising of Lazarus, executed in oil in 1517, is attributed to the anonymous Early Netherlandish artist known as the Master of the Legend of the Magdalen. The work belongs to the Northern Renaissance and is part of the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates the biblical miracle in which Jesus commands Lazarus to rise from death. Central to the scene is a half‑clothed figure, presumed to be Lazarus, kneeling with clasped hands as he begins to ascend, while a figure in blue gestures toward him, emphasizing the moment of divine intervention.
Technique & Style
Rendered with a careful handling of oil, the painting employs a pronounced contrast of light and shadow that highlights faces and hands, a hallmark of chiaroscuro. The artist juxtaposes ordinary attire with sumptuous fabrics, creating a realistic yet spiritually charged atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created during the active period of the Master of the Legend of the Magdalen (c. 1483–1527), the work has remained in the public domain since its acquisition by the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it continues to be displayed as part of the museum’s early Netherlandish holdings.
Context
The piece reflects the Northern Renaissance’s interest in detailed narrative scenes and the integration of contemporary settings into biblical stories. The background features a river with ships and a harbor, grounding the miracle in a recognizable, everyday environment.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Legend of the Magdalene
The Master of the Legend of the Magdalen (sometimes called the Master of the Magdalen Legend) was an Early Netherlandish painter active from circa 1483 to 1527.
