Mary Magdalene giving news of the Resurrection to the Disciples, 1860. Oil on canvas, arched top; 43¾ x 34 in. (111.2 x 86.4 cm). Private collection. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]
The subject of this painting is taken from The Gospel of St. John, chapter XX, verses 1 and 2: "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him."
This is but one of many biblical scenes Calderon painted during his long career. This early picture follows the biblical story closely and was obviously painted when Calderon was still under the influence of the Pre-Raphaelites. It features a red-haired Mary Magdalene in a white gown with a black cloak bringing news of Christ’s empty tomb to St. Peter on the right and the youthful St. John in brilliant red on the left. It is a very dramatic picture as the disciples look upon the news with obvious apprehension. St. Peter clutches a board used to lock the door in his left hand as he listens to her. The time is early morning as Mary Magdalene has evidently come directly from visiting the sepulchre to deliver the news.
Created 12 July 2023