The raising of Lazarus Illustration from a catechism ‘L’Histoire Sainte’ (published by Charles Delagrave, Paris), late 19th century Colour litho, French School.
The catechism known as ‘L’Histoire Sainte’ (Holy History), was designed to teach history to children through illustrated stories from the bible. Charles Marie Eugène Delagrave (1842–1934) was a French publisher and editor who specialized in producing these educational works. Printed books with colour illustrations were created using the new process of lithography, invented in the late eighteenth century, based on the chemical repellence of oil and water worked on a stone surface. It made colour printing easier because areas of different colours could be applied to separate stones and overprinted onto the same sheet. After the French revolution (1789-99) the Holy History and religious education continued to be taught in denominational schools. However the law of 28 March 1882 suppressed ‘L’Histoire Sainte’ by reframing the history of the Jews as ancient history. Illustrated books of Holy History contain a complete narration of the Bible through its division into eight chronological eras: those of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Cyrus, followed by Jesus in the Gospels and finally, the Church. This Raising of Lazarus illustration is part of the Gospels era of the history. The rendering of Christ, the two Marys’ and bystanders in brightly coloured robes and with dramatic gestures, contrasts with the static tonality of rock and stone. Jesus’s miracle is revealed when he holds forth his hand and commands the tomb slab to be opened, revealing the dead Lazarus emerging alive from his tomb still bound in winding cloths.
Art Guide Resource
Art Guide gives an insightful explanation of each painting featured in the 2021 Columban Art Calendar. The 2021 Columban Art Calendar Art Guide has been compiled by Dr Ursula Betka, Art Historian, Teacher and Iconographer and narrated by Robyn Moore (Voice Artist and Professional Speaker) and recorded by George Goerss at Sonic Solutions. Artworks ©Bridgeman Images.
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