Niels Larsen Stevns, artist of the "Zacchaeus" painting, began a renewal movement for religious art in Denmark. His Biblical works focus on the promise of spiritual life, offering that which the practical world cannot offer. The raising of Lazarus, the Prodigal Son, and Mary Magdelene were several of his subjects. Stevns also illustrated the biography of Hans Christian Andersen.

"In determining to give half his possessions (justly and unjustly acquired) to the poor, Zacchaeus "is not fulfilling a rule, and Jesus has given no command." Instead Zacchaeus's gift is a spontaneous act of repentance, love, and gratitude. "It is a thankoffering expressive of a changed heart." (Ireland, 192)