Healing of Lazarus

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This small painting, made for private prayer, illustrates the parable of Lazarus and Dives from the Gospel of Luke. Dives was a rich man who "dressed in purple and fine linen" and "lived in luxury every day." Lazarus was a beggar, covered with sores, who yearned for crumbs from the rich man's table but was left to the dogs. In the parable, after both men die, two devils drag the selfish Dives into the flames of hell while Lazarus's soul is carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham, to join in the celestial banquet. Surrounding Lazarus and Abraham are the ghostly figures of music-making angels who perform the hymns of heaven.

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