Opwekking van Lazarus 1638 - 1643

This is Claude Vignon’s “Opwekking van Lazarus,” an etching made in the 17th century. The print shows a complex scene, dominated by dense lines and textures that create a dramatic, almost theatrical atmosphere. Vignon uses a variety of marks to differentiate textures and highlight focal points. Note the contrast between the detailed rendering of the figures and the looser, more suggestive treatment of the background. This contrast draws our attention to the emotional reactions of those witnessing the resurrection of Lazarus. The composition is carefully structured, with Christ positioned centrally, acting as a point of stability amid the surrounding chaos and the cavernous depth. The hatching and cross-hatching not only model form but also contribute to the overall expressive quality of the print. The scene challenges us to consider the ways in which we visually interpret and assign meaning to complex religious subjects.