April
29
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Can You See Me?
Today I want to reflect on the poignant painting, The Rich Man and the Poor Lazarus, by Dutch painter Hendrick ter Brugghen based on the story found in Luke 16:19-31.
Brugghen was renowned for his depictions of everyday life and religious themes. He was inspired by Caravaggio, one of my favorite artists. Caravaggio’s influence is evident in Brugghen’s adept use of chiaroscuro—the contrast between light and shadow on his figures. Like Caravaggio, Brugghen also incorporated ordinary people from the streets as models, capturing their raw realism.
In our painting, this realistic approach is strikingly evident in the portrayal of the characters. The central figure, Lazarus, illuminated in the foreground, pleads with one of the master’s servants for food, tired of subsisting on mere table scraps. Dogs surround him, licking his wounds, one of them piercingly gazing at the viewer. Is his gaze challenging us? These hunting dogs are indicative of wealth and are meticulously rendered with detailed fur.
In the background, the opulent rich man entertains a guest, clad in a sumptuous purple silk tunic, emblematic of his wealth. His table is adorned with luxurious items, including a large fish, ripe olives, and fresh bread, highlighting his lavish lifestyle. A maid approaches, ready to fulfill her master’s instruction.
On the far right, a lavishly attired servant, adorned with a feathered cap, attempts to shoo away the destitute beggar from his master’s doorstep. Although this servant is not mentioned in the parable, his presence accentuates the rich man’s callous disregard for the poor.
A story like this hopefully causes us to consider how we respond to those in need around us. Are we like the rich man, consumed by our own pursuits and indifferent to the suffering of others? Or do we embody the compassion and empathy for Lazarus, extending a hand of kindness and generosity to those who are marginalized and overlooked?
Being Human connection: Martin Luther King said in a sermon based on this parable, “[The rich man] went to hell not because he was rich, but because he allowed his brother to become invisible….”
Featured art: Hendrick ter Brugghen, The Rich Man and the Poor Lazarus, 1625, © Centraal Museum, Utrecht, Netherlands