The Raising of Lazarus

The Raising of Lazarus by Duccio di Buoninsegna, painted around 1310, is one of the narrative panels from the reverse of the monumental Maestà altarpiece, Duccio's supreme masterpiece created for the high altar of Siena Cathedral. The Maestà's back panels depicted scenes from Christ's Passion and Ministry in an unprecedented narrative cycle that transformed the possibilities of Gothic altarpiece painting. Now at the Kimbell Art Museum, this panel was separated from the altarpiece after its dismemberment in 1771 and represents one of the most emotionally compelling episodes in Duccio's Gospel narrative.

Painted in tempera and gold on panel, the scene demonstrates Duccio's mastery of compact, expressive narrative composition within a limited format. The figures are arranged with characteristic Sienese elegance, and Duccio's refined color harmonies and fluid drapery create a scene of remarkable visual poetry and emotional power.