Rose Wognum Frances

Tangere:

The Compassion of Mary Magdalene

Paint on wood and canvas, sculpted clay vessels, gold leaf, incised copper 39”H x 24”W x 3”D doors open 2013

Mary Magdalene was witness to both the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.  She anointed him with precious fragrant oils, both in his life, and after his death, for she  knew he was the Christos, the Anointed one. She was the wise companion, the apostle to the apostles, who gave herself fully to her faith. In legend, Mary Magdalene attended a dinner with guests of Emperor Tiberius in Rome when she traveled on her ministry after Jesus’ ascension.  Holding an egg, symbol of new life, she told the story of the resurrection. The emperor scoffed, saying a man could no more rise from death than the egg she was holding could turn red. Slowly, the egg, cradled in her hand, blushed crimson.  She stated, “Christ is Risen”.  Those are the words I painted on either side of the egg, in the Greek she would have likely spoken.

 
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