An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Raising of Lazarus1570-80s
Artist: Studio of Jacopo Tintoretto
Italian (Venice), 1518–1594
Religion: New Testament. The Raising of Lazarus
70 7/8 x 108 1/4 in. (180.02 x 274.96 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
16th century
The Centennial Fund: (Anonymous Donor)
In the heart of bustling Venice, a vibrant workshop thrummed with activity. Within its sunlit walls, Jacopo Tintoretto, a master of dramatic storytelling, orchestrated a symphony of paint and canvas. His artistic process was a whirlwind, each sweeping brushstroke imbued with fervor and complexity, as he crafted religious scenes that captivated the soul.
Among the many creations emerging from his busy studio was a vivid composition that echoed the magnificence of Tintoretto’s style. Its crowded scene was alive with movement, where figures danced across the canvas, reaching towards the heavens with illusory grace. The daring foreshortening and elongated forms sang to the viewer, but as one looked closer, they might notice subtle differences that whispered a truth – this work bore the marks of Tintoretto’s dedicated studio assistants, rather than his own hand.
The painting pulled the viewer into a powerful biblical moment: Jesus, with profound compassion, was raising Lazarus from the dead. A mixed crowd gathered in astonishment, their faces painted with a deep blend of hope and disbelief. From the depths of his stone coffin, Lazarus, who had lain still for four long days, emerged, a testament to divine miracle amid the uncertainty of life and death.
In Venice, where the echoes of the past were never far away, Lazarus became a symbol of strength for the sick, especially during the dark days of the plague. His story resonated deeply in the hearts of the Venetians, who sought protection from the waves of illness that battered their fair city. The painting might have even stirred feelings tied to the devastating outbreak of 1576, a harrowing chapter that claimed the lives of around 50,000 souls—about one-third of the population.
In this work, as Lazarus rose to embrace the light once more, the canvas captured not just a story of resurrection, but also the enduring spirit of a city learning to fight through the shadows of despair. Though created by the workshop's hands, the spirit of Tintoretto thrived, as vibrant and alive as the city itself, a beacon of hope amidst tumultuous times.
About the artist
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