Earliest known depiction of Lazarus, Callistus Catacombs, Rome, 3rd Century CE

The Raising of Lazarus (fresco) by Paleo-Christian
fresco Catacomb of the Giordani, Rome, Italy
© Held Collection out of copyright

The wall painting to the right of Jesus raising Lazarus is a classic example of early Christian art depicting Christ as a miracle worker. When Jesus wasn’t disguised as a Shepherd or as a Greek god, followers often showed him in the act of his biblical miracles. Far from being as inflammatory as the resurrection, showing Jesus’ miracles was a relatively safe way to praise Jesus’ divinity, if this clandestine art were ever to be discovered. That being said, the majority of these types of works are found only in the Post-Constantine era.

Photo and caption from Faith, Imagined: 2000 Years of Christian Art, From Catacombs to Cathedrals.