The Raising of Lazarus 1700 - 1800

Matthias Deigle created this ink drawing, "The Raising of Lazarus," on a sheet of paper. Deigle’s work invites us to consider the complex relationship between faith, power, and the body. The scene depicts the biblical narrative of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. We see Lazarus emerging from a dark tomb, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, some in disbelief, others in awe. The landscape, rendered in delicate lines, provides a stark contrast to the intense human drama unfolding in the foreground. Consider the historical context: religious art often served as a tool for social control, reinforcing doctrines of the church. Yet, Deigle's interpretation, with its emphasis on human emotion and vulnerability, offers a counter-narrative. It asks us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in religious belief. It also presents an alternative, more intimate vision of spirituality. How does the artist use light and shadow to convey the tension between mortality and resurrection?