The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) illustrates the reversal of fortunes that can occur in the afterlife. Our painting tells the story in vivid detail across three scenes. A rich man who lives in luxury feasts at table (centre) as the beggar Lazarus (to the right) lies outside his gate. Lazarus longs to eat the man’s table scraps but gets nothing; instead, the children mock him and dogs lick his sores.

As the parable tells, Lazarus and the Rich Man later both die. In the upper left of our painting, we see the reversal of fortunes: Lazarus is in heaven, in the arms of Father Abraham, and the Rich Man is in hell. Luke tells of the Rich Man begging Abraham to send Lazarus “that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Abraham refuses, saying “remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.”

It is noteworthy that the Parable does not describe the Rich Man as evil; he merely enjoys his luxuries while Lazarus suffers.

This painting is distinguished by its narrative composition, telling a complex story whilst staying true to the details in the Gospel. Still today it carries a timeless message about compassion for those less fortunate.

A similar painting sold at the Dorotheum, Vienna, in 2017 for €88,757.

Provenance: with Helena Mola Fine Arts, Madrid; Private European Collection