Lazarus c. late 17th century

This sepia ink drawing of the Raising of Lazarus was made by an anonymous artist. Lazarus, a key figure in the New Testament, is brought back to life by Jesus, and this image gives us some idea of how that story played out in the popular imagination. The image is full of drama, and we can see the moment when Lazarus emerges from his tomb to the astonishment of onlookers. It is interesting to think about how this image might have functioned in a specific historical context, one in which the church played a significant social role. Perhaps it was made for a church or religious institution to convey the power of faith and inspire devotion among its members. To fully understand the meaning and significance of an image like this, we can consider the religious beliefs and practices of the time in which it was made, as well as the social and political context.