Our Description

This icon is part of a modern, vibrant series of icons produced by the Benedictine iconographers of Conception Abbey, one of the largest and oldest Benedictine foundations in the U.S. Proceeds from the sale of these icons go to support both the abbey community of monks and the formation of candidates for the priesthood who are studying at Conception Seminary College. These beautiful icons are mounted on a wood base in the traditional style of the Christian East.

 General Description:

The Origins of This Image

Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:15-18)

The only traditional icon in which Mary Magdalene appears is referred to by the Latin phrase Noli Me Tangere, "do not hold on to me," from John 20:17. In this new composition by Sister Mary Charles, the next verse is illustrated wherein she tells the apostles about her experience. All four gospels tell of this event, see Matthew 28:8, Mark 16:13, and Luke 24:9. The apostles do not believe Mary’s words, according to the accounts in Mark and Luke, but their doubts are quickly erased when they see Christ for themselves.

Theology and Symbolism

"I have seen the Lord!" Mary Magdalene stands facing the eleven apostles, earnestly trying to communicate the wonderful news that Jesus is alive! Their faces reflect a mixture of puzzlement and scepticism, sadness and hopelessness, having themselves only just experienced the arrest, crucifixion, and burial of their beloved Lord. A fanciful representation of the city of Jerusalem forms the background, with a rainbow providing a symbol of the Resurrection.

The only apostle traditionally identified in scenes such as this is Peter, the figure in a blue robe nearest Mary. Each person is depicted with elongated bodies in a style made famous by Dionysius, a Russian iconographer from the 14th century. The ratio of the height of the figures to the height of their heads is about nine, compared to the normal human proportion of seven. This is done in certain icons to emphasize the importance of the saints depicted. Each apostle and Mary Magdalene have halos of gold leaf surrounding their heads. This ancient symbol of sanctity is meant to symbolize the Divine light of God shining forth through the work of this holy woman and these holy men.

 Browse For Similar Items In

• Religious Gifts / Rosaries > Religious Icons > Saints
• Eastern Catholicism > Religious Icons > Biblical Scenes
• Art / Statues > Religious Icons > Biblical Scenes

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