Who painted Resurrection of Lazarus?

Resurrection of Lazarus was painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1619.

Where can I see Resurrection of Lazarus?

Resurrection of Lazarus is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Resurrection of Lazarus?

Resurrection of Lazarus is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Resurrection of Lazarus?

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

Artwork

Resurrection of Lazarus

Peter Paul Rubens , 1619

Resurrection of Lazarus is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1619 by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, this oil work portrays the biblical miracle in which Jesus restores Lazarus to life. Executed during the height of the Flemish Baroque, the canvas combines vigorous movement with a tightly organized group of onlookers, directing attention to the central act of resurrection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition visualizes the moment described in the Gospel of John, when Christ commands Lazarus to emerge from his tomb. Figures surrounding the reclined body display a range of reactions—astonishment, anxiety, reverence—reflecting the theological emphasis on divine power and the promise of salvation that resonated with Counter‑Reformation audiences.

Technique & Style

Rubens employs a dramatic chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated flesh against deep shadows to heighten the scene’s emotional intensity. The brushwork is vigorous, with swirling drapery and dynamic poses that convey motion. A warm palette of reds and earth tones reinforces the sensuality and vitality characteristic of Baroque painting.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the collections of European aristocracy before being acquired by the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it remains on display. Its presence in a major public museum reflects the work’s longstanding reputation as a key example of Rubens’s religious output and of early‑17th‑century Flemish art.