Europe | Early 16th Century (c. 1510)
Region / Date
Europe
Colored woodcut
Circa 1510
Key Features
This powerful early sixteenth-century colored woodcut portrays one of the most dramatic miracles recorded in the New Testament - the raising of Lazarus by Jesus Christ. The scene is inspired by the account in the Gospel of John (John 11), where Christ demonstrates divine authority over death by calling his friend Lazarus back to life after four days in the tomb.
At the center of the composition stands Jesus Christ, calm and composed as he reaches toward the tomb. His gesture is both compassionate and commanding, reflecting the moment when he speaks the words recorded in scripture: “Lazarus, come forth.” Christ’s halo marks his divine authority, while the gathered disciples behind him observe the miracle with expressions of awe and reverence.
Emerging from the stone tomb is Lazarus, frail and gaunt after days in death, supported by those standing nearby. His thin and weakened body emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the miracle unfolding before the witnesses. The dramatic contrast between Lazarus’s lifeless appearance and Christ’s composed presence heightens the emotional intensity of the scene.
The figures surrounding Lazarus respond with visible amazement and disbelief. Their gestures capture the human reaction to a moment that defies natural order. In Christian tradition, this miracle is often interpreted not only as a demonstration of Christ’s divine power but also as a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, pointing toward the promise of eternal life.
The artwork itself reflects the visual language of early Renaissance devotional prints. Colored woodcuts like this were widely circulated in the early sixteenth century, often included in prayer books or devotional manuscripts. Their bold outlines, rich pigments, and narrative clarity allowed biblical stories to be shared with both literate and non-literate audiences alike.
Below the illustration appears a line of Latin devotional text, a reminder that these prints were originally intended to accompany prayer and meditation. The combination of image and sacred text transforms the artwork into a spiritual reflection on faith, hope, and the triumph of life over death.
Today, this historic print stands as both an early example of Christian visual storytelling and a moving representation of one of the most powerful miracles in the life of Christ.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 16 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving the colors and historic texture of the original woodcut
Finish: Non-glare, museum-grade matte
Ideal For: Christian devotional spaces, collectors of biblical art, and admirers of early Renaissance prints
Why You’ll Love It
This historic artwork captures a defining miracle of the New Testament — a moment that symbolizes faith, resurrection, and divine power over death. Its early Renaissance style also makes it a remarkable piece of religious art history.
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Bring home this historic depiction of The Raising of Lazarus, a powerful reminder of hope, faith, and the promise of new life.
Available in 16 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.
