The Raising of Lazarus
Hendrik Heerschop (Dutch, 1620–1672)
Oil on Canvas
Unframed: 51 1/2 x 64 in.
Framed: 61 x 74 in.
Hendrik Heerschop, a Dutch Golden Age painter, is known for his evocative biblical scenes and genre paintings. Active during the mid-17th century, Heerschop trained under the influence of Rembrandt’s school, drawing inspiration from the master’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro and emotional storytelling. Though his works are relatively scarce, Heerschop’s skill in rendering human expression and dramatic light earned him recognition among his contemporaries in the thriving artistic environment of the Dutch Republic.
In The Raising of Lazarus, Heerschop captures the powerful moment when Christ commands Lazarus to rise from the dead, a miracle described in John 11:38–44. The composition is infused with tension and awe, as the figures surrounding Christ react with gestures of astonishment, reverence, and disbelief. Lazarus, still wrapped in burial cloth, emerges from the dark tomb, symbolizing both physical resurrection and spiritual renewal.
Heerschop’s mastery of light and shadow draws the viewer’s eye to the central figures of Christ and Lazarus, while the dynamic arrangement of onlookers adds depth and movement to the scene. The painting’s rich colors and meticulous attention to detail exemplify the Baroque style, emphasizing both the drama and humanity of the narrative.
This painting is a testament to Heerschop’s ability to convey profound emotion and spiritual themes, securing his place among the noteworthy painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
