12. Raising of Lazarus Fra Angelico (1400-1455)

The composition presents a scene unfolding before a substantial rock formation that dominates the left side of the frame. Emerging from this rocky outcrop is a tomb, its entrance shrouded in shadow and partially obscured by foliage. A figure, recently exhumed, stands within the opening, his body wrapped in linen cloths which appear both heavy and disheveled.
To the right of the tomb, a central figure, distinguished by a halo, gestures towards the resurrected man. He is surrounded by a group of onlookers – men and women – who display varying degrees of emotion; some seem to be weeping, others gaze with expressions of awe or bewilderment. The clothing worn by these individuals suggests a range of social standing, from simple tunics to more elaborate garments.
The background reveals a walled city under a clear sky. A few birds are visible in the upper portion of the scene, adding a sense of spaciousness and perhaps symbolizing freedom. The architectural details of the city walls – the crenellations and arched gateways – are rendered with precision, indicating an awareness of contemporary urban structures.
The color palette is dominated by earth tones – browns, greens, and ochres – which contrast with the brighter hues used for the figures’ clothing, particularly the vibrant red cloak draped at the feet of the resurrected man. This use of color draws attention to this garment, suggesting its symbolic importance – perhaps representing mourning or sacrifice.
The artists approach to perspective is somewhat flattened; depth is suggested through size and placement rather than a rigorous application of linear perspective. The figures are arranged in a hierarchical manner, with the central figure commanding the most visual weight. This arrangement reinforces his role as the focal point of the narrative.
Subtly embedded within the scene is an exploration of themes related to faith, resurrection, and divine intervention. The expressions on the faces of the onlookers convey the emotional impact of witnessing a miraculous event. The careful depiction of the linen cloths – both intact and torn – underscores the physical reality of death and its subsequent reversal. The walled city in the background might represent both the earthly realm and the limitations that faith can transcend. Overall, the work conveys a sense of solemnity and wonder, inviting contemplation on the power of belief and the mysteries of life and death.