Christ Appearing to Mary in the Garden - after Pietro da Cortona

John Murphy

After Pietro da Cortona (1596-1669), copied by George Farington (1752-1788), engraved by John Murphy (1748-1820), and published by John Boydell (1719-1804).

Saint Mary Magdalene reaches out for the risen Christ; he points away. John 20.14-18. Christ leans on a staff. Mary wears a halo. Christ tells Mary, "Do not touch me (noli me tangere), for I have not yet ascended to the father" (John 20.17).

Mary Magdalene stands out as the one individual who loved Jesus deeply while he was alive, stood with him to the end and was embarrassed to express her love for him. She became one of Jesus's most devout followers after hearing him speak. She traveled with Jesus as one of his followers and was present at the two most important moments in the story of Jesus: the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Some think Mary Magdalene may have been a close adviser of Jesus with perhaps the same status as an apostle. The word maudlin is derived from her reputation as teary-eyed penitent. Her name comes from the village of Magdala on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.