Lazarus and the Rich Man

The story behind the image

In Luke 16, Jesus tells of a rich man living in comfort while a beggar named Lazarus lies at his gate, hungry and covered with sores. After both die, their circumstances are reversed: Lazarus is comforted beside Abraham, while the rich man suffers. His request for a warning to his brothers is answered with a call to heed Moses and the prophets. The illustration places vulnerable Lazarus and dogs below the prosperous household’s activity. This is the Lazarus of the parable, a different account from the raising of Lazarus in John. Its contrast asks what wealth can make people overlook.

Take a closer look

Two details to notice

• Lazarus sits low on the foreground steps, close to several dogs.
• Figures carrying vessels and a raised tray create a busy contrast above him.

About this original

Source

Original 1880 Bible

Collection

Bible illustrations

Photograph

Framed front view

Visible condition

The photograph shows the framed front. The mat covers the leaf edges; reflections on the glazing limit the view of the paper. Ask for dimensions, back photographs and condition details.

Piece reference

ART0014

These original pages were salvaged from a damaged book. The age and individual marks of each physical leaf are part of what makes it unique.

Read the source

• Luke 16:19–31 · King James Version ↗

The illustration is an artistic interpretation. The linked source gives context for this short introduction.