Giovanni da Milano - Resurrection of Lazarus

Resurrection of Lazarus

Giotto’s painting of the Raising of Lazarus used bright pastel colors to depict the scene of a miracle. Lazarus is depicted emerging still bound in his funeral wrappings. Prostrated before Jesus are two figures who look to be fearful and reverent. Onlookers who bear no halos show incredulity and suspicion, while Lazarus, facing Jesus looks weakened or dazed. Giovanni’s painting uses darker colors that weigh down the moment. The onlookers share the same look of incredulity, though also mixed with contempt. The two figures are no longer prostrated, but rather kneeling in supplication. They look grateful rather than fearful. Lazarus emerges looking to be walking out of his tomb by his own strength. With his back turned to Jesus, he almost looks unhappy with his circumstance. Jesus’ clothing is also quite different. In Giotto’s painting, Jesus wore a red and blue robe. In Giovanni’s rendition, Jesus looks to be wearing a golden shirt with blue robes. I think the tone in Giovanni’s painting seems to treat the resurrection as a moment of discord rather than wonder.