The Raising of Lazarus - Moses ter Borch

A study of the biblical raising of Lazarus, rendered in pen and grey wash by Dutch artist Moses ter Borch.

This drawing by Moses ter Borch depicts the biblical narrative of the raising of Lazarus. The composition centres on the figure of Christ, who stands with an outstretched hand, gesturing towards the grave from which Lazarus emerges. To the left, two figures kneel in mourning, their postures conveying a sense of grief and anticipation. The background is populated by a crowd of onlookers, rendered with quick, expressive strokes that suggest depth without overwhelming the primary action.

Ter Borch employs a technique of pen and brown ink combined with grey wash to establish light and shadow. The wash creates a sense of volume in the drapery of the garments and defines the architectural space of the tomb. The artist, a member of the notable Ter Borch family of painters, demonstrates a command of line and tone that reflects the stylistic conventions of the Dutch Golden Age. His approach to the subject is direct, focusing on the emotional weight of the miracle rather than elaborate ornamentation.

The work is characteristic of seventeenth-century Dutch drawings, where the economy of means often produced a high degree of narrative clarity. The use of wash allows for subtle transitions between the illuminated figures and the darker recesses of the scene. This study provides an insight into the artistic practices of the period, showing how artists developed compositions through ink and wash before committing to larger canvases. The drawing remains a clear example of the period's interest in human emotion and biblical storytelling, captured with a fluid and confident hand.