Artwork
The raising of Lazarus
The raising of Lazarus is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pietro Novelli. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Pietro Novelli, a Sicilian painter of the Baroque era, completed an oil on canvas titled *The Raising of Lazarus* in 1635. The work is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection and illustrates a biblical miracle within the early Italian Baroque visual language.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on Christ, whose raised right hand directs the viewer’s eye upward, suggesting divine intervention. Around him, mourners react with outstretched hands and anguished expressions, while the deceased Lazarus lies covered in a white shroud, emphasizing the tension between death and resurrection.
Technique & Style
Novelli employs a warm, earthy palette punctuated by strong chiaroscuro, creating deep shadows that model the figures in three‑dimensional relief. Bold, expressive brushwork adds texture to the drapery and flesh, while limited light sources illuminate the central drama against a darkened background.
History & Provenance
After its creation in Palermo, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Spanish national museum. It has remained in the Prado’s holdings since the 19th century, where it is displayed among other Baroque works.
Context
The work reflects the Counter‑Reformation’s emphasis on vivid, emotionally charged religious imagery. Novelli’s treatment of the Lazarus narrative aligns with contemporary Baroque artists who sought to engage viewers through dramatic lighting and dynamic groupings of figures.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro Novelli (March 2, 1603 – August 27, 1647) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, active mainly in Palermo.
