The Resurrection of Lazarus
1855. Oil on canvas.On display elsewhere
The work depicts the moment when Lazarus, covered by the shroud, appears before the eyes of Jesus Christ, Martha, Mary and a group of onlookers. The composition follows the academicism and theatrical style. The main axis of the composition is formed by Jesus Christ in the centre, with the rest of the figures are distributed on either side of him. On the right, two burly men hold the falling slab, giving way to the figure of Lazarus, who stands out due to the intense white of the shroud, and of his face, which has an ivory, cadaverous tone. On the left side are Lazarus´ sisters, one standing and one kneeling, and four male figures. Their postures suggest surprise and are as pointedly theatrical as if it were a set design. In the background, the landscape is resolved with little conviction by some mountains and a few trees. The figures depicted here produce violent foreshortenings with their arms and hands that form totally sculptural volumes. The faces of the main figures, such as Jesus Christ, Lazarus and the sisters, are perfectly drawn, while the others are sketched to the point of looking like masks.
This work was awarded a third-class medal at the 1856 National Exhibition of Fine Arts
Saenz Ostiategui, Maria Esther, La Pintura del Siglo XIX en el Museo de la Rioja, Logroño, Instituto de Estudios Riojanos, 1988, p.24-25
