The Raising of Lazarus

Artist William Blake (London, England, 1757 - 1827)

Date1800

Mediumpencil, pen, ink and watercolour on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsSight Size: Height: 40.7 cm, Width: 29.6 cm
Frame Size: 64.5 x 52 x 2cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1963 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and the National Art Collections Fund (Ramsay-Dyce Bequest) and with income from the Jaffrey Fund.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG002369

Keywords

About MeWilliam Blake is today recognised as one of the foremost English poets of the Romantic period, as well as being one of the most original artists. Largely unappreciated in his own time, he earned a living as an engraver which saved him from penury but his talent was recognised by a small circle of artists who variously employed him or tried to promote his work.

The miracle of Lazarus was one of a series of biblical illustrations that Blake painted for Thomas Butts between 1800 and 1809. In this example from around 1805, Blake returned to the more linear Neo-Classical style which he had used in the 1780s and it is reminiscent of the paintings by Henry Fuseli (1741-1825), for whom Blake had previously worked.
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Compare the clothes of Jesus in the middle with his hand stretched upright and that of Lazarus on the ground – do they appear similar? The raising of Lazarus was one of Jesus’ last miracles.