The Raising of Lazarus: The Smaller Plate 1642

Curator: This is Rembrandt van Rijn's etching, "The Raising of Lazarus: The Smaller Plate," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about it? Editor: That figure emerging from the tomb is completely unsettling. The contrast between the darkness of the cave and the implied light is palpable. Curator: It's fascinating how Rembrandt used etching to create this sense of drama. The lines, almost frenetic in places, highlight the labor and artistry behind the print. Editor: The symbols within the work are also striking. Consider the way Lazarus is portrayed, not as a resurrected hero, but as someone almost reluctant to return. Curator: Indeed. The material process of etching allowed Rembrandt to explore the social and emotional depths of this biblical story. Editor: Ultimately, it is about the enduring power of visual imagery to convey profound human experiences. Curator: Yes, and the etching's small scale focuses the viewer’s attention on the intricate details and their symbolic weight. Editor: A powerful testament to the story.