Christ Appearing to Mary in the Garden 1766

Pietro da Cortona created this print, titled *Christ Appearing to Mary in the Garden,* using etching in 1768. Da Cortona, working in the 17th century, was a key figure in the development of Baroque architecture and painting. Here, we see a representation of a pivotal moment from the New Testament: Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Christ. The depiction invites us to consider the gendered dynamics of religious narratives, where female figures often serve as witnesses or recipients of divine revelation. Mary Magdalene, traditionally depicted kneeling or reaching out, embodies the complex interplay of reverence, supplication, and recognition. What does it mean to place a woman as the first to see the resurrected Christ? What assumptions are being made about the appropriate ways for women to express their belief? This piece encourages us to reflect on the stories we tell, and the ways we visualize faith and belief.