Christ Appearing to the Magdalen

1480–90

Martin Schongauer

(German, c. 1450–1491)

Culture

Germany

Medium

engraving

Measurements

Sheet: 15.9 x 15.9 cm (6 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

The Fanny Tewksbury King Collection 1956.743

Catalogue raisonné

Lehrs V.102.15

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The fence shown in this print is called wattle fencing, a type known since antiquity and used primarily to contain livestock during the late Middle Ages.

Description

According to the Gospel of John, right after his resurrection, Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene, who had come to anoint his body at his tomb. At first, she mistook Christ for a gardener. When he revealed himself, he said to Magdalene, "Noli me tangere" (Touch me not) and invited her to inform the apostles that he was ascending to his Father. Schongauer conveys the emotion and surprise of the Magdalen by showing her drapery flying behind her in the wind.