Artwork
The Raising of Lazarus
The Raising of Lazarus is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jan Muller. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Jan Harmensz.
About this work
Overview
Jan Harmensz. Muller, an early‑17th‑century Dutch engraver, produced an engraving titled *The Raising of Lazarus* around 1600. Executed on laid paper, the print illustrates the biblical miracle in which Lazarus is called forth from death, surrounded by onlookers and architectural elements.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a figure swathed in white cloth being lifted by several attendants, evoking the moment of resurrection described in the Gospel of John. A crowd gathers in the background, including a woman with an infant, underscoring the public nature of the miracle and its impact on witnesses.
Technique & Style
Muller employed fine line work and cross‑hatching to model the folds of clothing and convey facial expressions, creating a sense of depth. The foreground figures are rendered with meticulous detail, while the architectural backdrop and distant spectators are treated with softer, less defined strokes, guiding the viewer’s focus toward the central action.
History & Provenance
Born into a family of printers and publishers in Amsterdam, Muller learned engraving in the family workshop before traveling to Italy. After his Italian sojourn he returned to Amsterdam, assumed control of his father’s business, and continued producing prints until his death in 1628. The print reflects his training and the cross‑cultural influences acquired abroad.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Harmensz. Muller (1571–1628) was a Dutch engraver and painter. Muller was born in Amsterdam. His father was a book printer, engraver and publisher. He learned the engraving trade while working in the family…
