Flandes, Juan de – Resurrección de Lázaro Part 1 Prado museum

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a walled garden setting. A central figure, identifiable by his long hair and beard, gestures upwards with one hand while raising the other in what appears to be a command or invocation. He is clad in dark blue robes that contrast sharply with the earthy tones of the surrounding environment.
Before him lies a man emerging from a stone coffin. His body is partially exposed, revealing musculature and skin marked by apparent decay. The resurrected figure’s posture conveys surprise and disorientation; his hand reaches towards the sky as if grasping for understanding or support. A woman stands nearby, her expression a mixture of astonishment and concern. She wears an elaborate gown with rich golden hues, suggesting status and wealth.
Several onlookers are positioned within an arched gateway in the background, their faces displaying varying degrees of wonder and apprehension. The architecture visible behind them – a building with a tiled roof and classical detailing – indicates a setting that blends religious narrative with elements of contemporary urban design.
At the foreground’s base, scattered bones and a skull are placed, serving as stark reminders of mortality and the fragility of life. These objects underscore the miraculous nature of the event depicted; they represent what has been overcome by divine intervention. The overall palette is dominated by browns, ochres, and blues, creating a somber yet dignified atmosphere.
The artist’s choice to depict the resurrected man partially unclothed introduces an element of vulnerability and humanity to the scene. It moves beyond a purely theological representation, emphasizing the physical reality of death and rebirth. The inclusion of the onlookers suggests that this event is not merely personal but carries broader implications for the community witnessing it. The womans attire and demeanor suggest a societal hierarchy at play, hinting at the complexities of faith and social standing within the context of divine miracles.