The Rising of Lazarus – Excavated Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph with the Raising of Lazarus

The Saturday of Lazarus is a glorious feast, during which we commemorate the rising of Christ’s close friend, Lazarus. According to the New Testament, Lazarus one day fell seriously ill and died. His sisters, Martha and Mary, notified Jesus that his friend was dying, but He delayed reaching Bethany. As soon as Christ arrived and saw the tomb of Lazarus, He wept and exploded: “Lazarus, give out!” Lazarus was resurrected four days after his death, which provoked the mortal hatred of the Pharisees.

After his resurrection, the righteous Lazarus went to Kition, Cyprus, where he was ordained bishop by the apostles Paul and Varnava. According to Saint Epiphanius, bishop of Constance in Cyprus, Lazarus, when he was resurrected, was 30 years old and lived another 30 years, until he surrendered his soul to God. The tomb of Lazarus has been indicated inside a rock on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The Rising of Lazarus is celebrated eight days before Holy Easter.

Engraved Lithography: Features

The work is crafted entirely by hand, without machinery, in carved natural wood. It is the work of hagiographer Athanasios, a student of the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as he was taught it on Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax so that they remain unchanged over time.

In this particular icon, the hagiographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the hagiography workshops of the Athonite State. In fact, the artificial aging of hagiography is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos pay particular attention.

As the image is handmade and the wood is processed entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.

Image available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos