Three Women at the Tomb and the Resurrection of Christ

The artist has combined two scenes from the life of Christ; the dramatic discovery of the empty sepulchre by the "Three Women" is given priority. The representation is based on the diverse narrations of the Evangelists Matthew (28, 1–9), Mark (16, 1–9), Luke (24, 1–9) and John (20, 1). Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had come to embalm the body. The earth trembled, as an angel came from above and opened the sepulchre. The keepers were affrighted, for the sepulchre was empty. Here, the "Resurrection of Christ" is in the background, though since the late Middle Ages it has gained significance in painting and sculpture, gradually relegating the "Three Women" to a supporting role. The densely packed structure, the partly unclear spatial depth, the grotesque poses of some of the soldiers, the idealised figures of the three women and the colour values show the influence of late mannerism.

Habersatter Thomas: South German artist, Three Women at the Tomb and Resurrection of Christ, in: Ducke Astrid, Habersatter Thomas (Hrsg./Edi.): von | from 0 auf | to 100. Residenzgalerie Salzburg 1923-2023. Salzburg 2023, S./p. 338-339