Palma il Vecchio (Jacopo d’Antonio Negretti), Italian (active Venice), first documented 1510, died 1528 – The Raising of Lazarus Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding outdoors, likely within a Mediterranean landscape. A central figure, identifiable as a man in flowing robes, gestures towards a body lying on a stone slab. The deceased individual is positioned horizontally, partially draped with fabric, and appears emaciated, his skin pallid against the surrounding figures.
A woman, kneeling at the edge of the slab, gazes intently at the body, her expression conveying profound grief and supplication. She is clad in rich fabrics, suggesting a position of some status within the community depicted. Around them are gathered numerous onlookers – men with long beards and turbans, women veiled in white – their faces registering a mixture of awe, anxiety, and hope. The crowd’s arrangement creates a sense of depth, receding into the background where a distant city is visible atop a hill.
The artist employed a warm palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted greens – which contribute to the scenes solemnity. Light plays a crucial role; it illuminates the central figure and the body on the slab, drawing attention to the pivotal moment of resurrection. The light source appears to originate from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the figures and add to the overall drama.
The landscape itself is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative. A large rock formation looms on the right side, providing a visual anchor and contributing to the sense of enclosure and solemnity. The distant city suggests civilization and order, contrasting with the raw emotion displayed by those present at the event.
Subtleties within the painting hint at deeper meanings. The positioning of the figures – the central figure’s outstretched hand, the womans posture of despair – suggests a narrative of divine intervention and the power to overcome death. The varied expressions on the faces of the onlookers imply different levels of faith and understanding regarding the event unfolding before them. The inclusion of both men and women, dressed in varying degrees of finery, suggests that this miracle transcends social boundaries. Overall, the work conveys a powerful message about hope, redemption, and the mysteries of faith.