Raising of Lazarus 1700 - 1800

This drawing, Raising of Lazarus, was made by an anonymous artist, using graphite, on paper. Graphite, the very stuff of our pencils, is a humble material, but in the hands of a skilled draughtsman, it can achieve remarkable effects. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the artist has built up tone through delicate hatching, creating a sense of depth and drama. The linear precision captures the scene’s emotional intensity, from the reawakened Lazarus to the astonished onlookers. The choice of graphite on paper speaks volumes. Unlike the costly materials of oil paint or marble, drawing is immediate, accessible, and reproducible. Perhaps this reflects a desire to disseminate the biblical story to a wider audience, cutting across boundaries of wealth and status. The hand of the artist is clearly visible. In the end, it’s the material and the making that give this artwork its power, reminding us that artistic expression can thrive even in the most unassuming of forms.