The Raising of Lazarus

William Blake (1757 - 1827)

Aberdeen Art Gallery

circa 1805

This remarkable watercolour is one of fifty biblical studies commissioned by Blake's patron Thomas Butts. The painting depicts the Raising of Lazarus (John 11, 1-44), often seen as a prefiguration of the Resurrection, and belongs to a sub-group concerned with the Passion of Christ. It shows the body of Lazarus stirring to life at the commanding gesture of Christ who is flanked by Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, while onlookers flee aghast from the miracle. The symmetrical design and muted colouring of this work further link it with the group of works on the Passion.

• Medium: watercolour, pen & ink
• Dimensions: 40.7 x 29.6cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1000 ( Total: £4,500)
• ArtFunded in: 1963
• Vendor: Agnew's

Provenance

Thomas Butts; Thomas Butts Jr; Richard Monkston Miles, later Lord Houghton; by descent to the Marquis of Crewe; Marchioness of Crewe; Agnew's.

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