The raising of Lazarus (after Rembrandt)

At several points during his stay at the hospital in Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh was inspired by prints from other masters. He made this copy from part of an etching by Rembrandt, depicting the bible story of Lazarus who was brought back to life by Jesus. With his ginger beard, Lazarus bears some resemblance to Van Gogh himself. The painter may have seen a parallel between Lazarus’ return from the dead and his own struggle towards recovery from mental illness.