Attributed to Hieronymus Francken

Attributed to HIERONYMUS FRANCKEN (Antwerp 1578-1623).
"Epuon and Lazarus".
Oil on copper.
Measurements: 35 x 51 cm; 61 x 80 cm (frame).
In this work is represented the parable of the rich Epuon and Lazarus, which is collected in the Gospel of Luke. The story is narrated by Jesus, who tells his disciples and some Pharisees, the relationship, during life and after death, between an anonymous rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus: "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate stood a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham afar off, with Lazarus by his side. Then he cried out to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this fire. But Abraham answered, Son, remember that in your life you received your good things, while Lazarus received evil things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, there is a great gulf between us and you. He answered, "Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment." Abraham replied, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them." "Nay, father Abraham,' he said, but if anyone from among the dead goes to them, they will repent. He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced, even if someone rises from the dead.'"
This scene represents the moment, in which Lazarus with his lacerated body, begs for a little alms, while the rich man, seated at the table with his five brothers enjoys dinner, oblivious to the suffering of Lazarus. The appearance of the dog, licking the sores of Lazarus, has given rise to the similarity of this with the figure of St. Roch, as well as the name has sometimes been identified as Lazarus of Bethany, although both characters are not related. In this particular case the presence of Lazarus is relegated to the right area of the last plane of the composition, giving great prominence to the scene of opulence of the table and the attitudes of the diners, especially highlighting the male figure at the far right of the banquet, who turns his face looking directly at the viewer.
Along with his brother Frans Francken II, Hieronymus played an important role in the development of new genres in Flemish art in the early 17th century. He was a prolific artist with a wide range who painted religious scenes, allegorical subjects, portraits, fruit pieces, genre scenes, architectural paintings and art galleries.