The artwork “Lazarus, come forth – Lazare, veni foras (John 11:44)” was created by Salvador Dali in 1964 and belongs to “The Biblia Sacra” series. It embodies the genres of abstract expressionism and symbolism within the realm of religious painting. The work is a representation of the biblical narrative where Jesus Christ resurrects Lazarus from the dead, encapsulating the themes of faith and divine intervention.
In the artwork, the central figure, presumably Lazarus, is depicted in a dramatic and abstract manner. The figure appears to rise or stand with outstretched arms that convey a sense of awakening or emergence from a lower plane, consistent with the biblical passage’s description of Lazarus being called forth from the tomb by Jesus. Dali employs bold brushstrokes, and the palette is dominated by dark and light contrasts, with the central figure largely represented using white and off-white hues that suggest a shroud or burial cloth.
The use of abstraction allows for multiple interpretations of the subject. The splatters and drips of paint add a visceral quality to the portrayal, emphasizing the theme of rebirth and the physicality of the resurrection experience. The background remains largely subdued and nondescript, focusing the viewer’s attention on the dramatic figure in the forefront. This piece from Dali’s oeuvre merges religious iconography with modern art techniques to create a powerful and reflective piece imbued with spirituality and artistic innovation.
