The artwork “Raising of Lazarus (Fragment)” is a creation by the artist Duccio, dating from between 1308 and 1311. It is executed on wood using tempera as a medium. This work embodies the Proto Renaissance art movement and belongs to the “Maesta” series, a religious painting genre.
In the painting, we see a gathering of figures around a central character who appears to be performing an important act. The central figure, presumed to be Jesus Christ due to the halo around his head, extends his hand toward a woman clad in orange, who seems to be engaging with him. The attention of the crowd is focused on this interaction, illustrating the importance of the moment. The expressions on the faces of the surrounding figures vary from solemn and contemplative to anxious, suggesting the gravity of the event depicted.
At the front, there’s a figure in a vibrant red cloak, kneeling and looking upwards, likely a witness to the miraculous event being portrayed. The use of color contrasts here highlights the significance of this figure’s devout stance. Meanwhile, the intricate detailing and positioning of the onlookers create a sense of depth and perspective, reflective of the developing artistic techniques of the Proto Renaissance period. The narrative quality of the artwork showcases Duccio’s skill in conveying stories through his religious compositions.
