The Three Marys at the Empty Sepulchre 1685

Giovanni Battista Gaulli created this painting of The Three Marys at the Empty Sepulchre. The composition immediately draws your eye to the figures through colour. The painting uses strong, bright hues to highlight the emotional tension of the scene. Notice the angel’s white robe as it contrasts with the red and gold robes of the Marys, set against the darker background to emphasize their expressions of shock and awe. Gaulli uses the formal elements to create a strong sense of movement. The figures form a dynamic arrangement, with the angels gesturing outwards and the Marys leaning in different directions. Their postures communicate a narrative, enhancing the theatricality of the resurrection story. The artwork destabilizes traditional representations through its dynamic composition, inviting continuous interpretation. Its formal qualities ensure its sustained relevance, demonstrating that art is an evolving dialogue.