The Baroque period of art was defined by some of the artistic rule-breaking that became more common. Defying the previous composition of artwork was one key difference. Prior to the Baroque period, paintings and other pieces of artwork were organized and followed very rigid poses.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Resurrection of Lazarus,
c. 1609, oil on canvas, 380 x 275 cm (Museo di Messina)
Resurrection of Lazarus was one of the many beautiful depictions of dramatic posing and reflects what it means to "catch a moment in time". This piece was done as a commission for a wealthy Italian family, the Lizzari family (Caravaggio.org). They then presented the painting to a church. It was completed in 1609 in Messina, Italy and painted by Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio, often referenced as Caravaggio (Ch'ien, Smarthistory). The painting is currently on display in the Museum of Messina (Museo di Messina).
Some of the key characters that stand out about this piece is the deep contrast between the light and dark in this scene. This adds a dramatic effect to the scene and captures the way the light would reflect off different figures in a specific moment. It also defies having a rigid orientation and has lots of curves within the painting. Lazarus is depicted as arching across the scene and many of the characters are leaning over. There are also many small details, like the straining of the muscles holding Lazarus, that make this scene really look like a realistic piece from time.
During the Baroque period, the churches were losing control of art and the general public. Many people were slowly turning against churches following the Reformation during the Renaissance. As a countermeasure, the Churches formed the Council of Trent, which is part of what would become known as the Counter-Reformation. The Council of Trent aimed to refocus artists on influences based within the Church. They would commission art to try and regain popularity with the public (Medici, PBS). The Resurrection of Lazarus was presented to a church and supported the church's efforts to reincorporate themselves into artwork. The Lazzari family was also in the process of building a church chapel and decorating it with intricate artwork.
The Baroque period was characterized by dramatic light schemes, the appearance of curves and less rigid poses, and a battle of focus between religion and everyday life. Caravaggio's piece does a wonderful job of displaying these features and capturing the religious influences of his time. I wouldn't own a copy of this artwork since I don't tend to be pulled towards the artwork of the Baroque period, but I can still appreciate its artistic value.
Sources:
Dr. Letha Ch'ien, "Caravaggio, Resurrection of Lazarus," in Smarthistory, September 9, 2024, accessed February 26, 2025, https://smarthistory.org/caravaggio-resurrection-lazarus/.
“Resurrection of Lazarus, 1609 by Caravaggio.” Caravaggio, www.caravaggio.org/resurrection-of-lazarus.jsp. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
“Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance . Renaissance . Counter Reformation.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/empires/medici/renaissance/counter.html. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Learning that Caravaggio not only made artwork during the rise of the merchants but also for the Council of Trent is interesting because it means he was active during both major parts of art history. I think that shows in his work as well, seeing as in his work, The Muscicans, he was more towards the public appeal of art with barely any serious sembalence besides cupid adding a fleeting youthful feeling to the art. Here, the religious aspects are front and center, with such beautifully done dramatic light and shadow on the faces of the people depicted.
ReplyDeleteThe appeal of this painting for me is the masterfully done light and shadow work as well as the realism of the people depicted. While I do not care much for religious artwork, I can appreciate the energy that Caravaggio brings out in scenes like this: dramatic and melancholic, with an undertone of hope.
Additionally, the shift in art history is easily seen here with the more realistic tones that are on display in Caravaggio's art. The realism adds to what the church wanted people to see—their biblical moments portrayed with such realism that one would believe that it was painted at that exact moment while it was occurring. The art helps connect viewers to the religious themes it displays, and Caravaggio does this perfectly.
Hey Grace,
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of the Resurrection of Lazarus successfully identifies key Baroque elements, primarily through its dramatic lighting and movement techniques. Your observations about Caravaggio's skillful use of chiaroscuro and his talent for depicting temporary moments are impressive. Your description of Lazarus's arching posture and dynamic composition demonstrates how Baroque artists shifted away from the formalized poses that defined previous artistic periods.
Your historical context in reference to the Council of Trent and the Counter-Reformation is highly informative. This period showed how art functioned as a strategic instrument to strengthen the Church's power. When churches commissioned this artwork, they followed a widespread tradition among religious institutions to strengthen their public connection through powerful visual presentations.
Through his realistic human portrayals and profound emotional depth, Caravaggio made deliberate artistic choices that became part of a broader movement designed to enable personal and spiritual connections between viewers and artworks. His artistic work moved beyond traditional religious depiction by offering viewers a direct and palpable spiritual encounter. Your post clearly illustrates the exceptional power and importance of Baroque art.