Byzantine - Lamp with the Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482637 - Side A

An enshrouded Lazarus stands in the doorway of his tomb following his resurrection. Possessing an image of the Raising of Lazarus expressed the central Christian belief in resurrection, and also served to ward off death itself. The repetition of this scene on other bowls and lamps shows that molds were used for an early form of mass production.

The Raising of Lazarus is a story from the New Testament, recorded in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-45). According to the story, Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, had fallen ill and died. When Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after Lazarus' death, he was approached by Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, who told him of their brother's death and asked him to come to their home to heal him.

When Jesus arrived at the tomb where Lazarus was buried, he commanded that the stone be removed, and then he prayed to God. After his prayer, he called out to Lazarus, who came back to life and stepped out of the tomb. The raising of Lazarus was a significant event in the life of Jesus and was seen as a powerful demonstration of his divine power and the fulfillment of his mission as the Son of God. The scene is often shown with Jesus standing at the tomb, with Lazarus rising from the dead, with Mary and Martha looking on in amazement.