Christus verschijnt als tuinman aan Maria Magdalena 1589 - 1637

This engraving by Lucas Kilian, likely made in Augsburg sometime in the early 17th century, depicts Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. This is a scene which has long been the subject of artistic interpretation. Here, we see Christ not in his typical guise, but as a gardener, complete with a shovel. This choice is significant. In the social hierarchy of 17th century Europe, gardeners occupied a humble position. By depicting Christ in this way, Kilian subtly challenged the rigid social norms of his time. Was he perhaps suggesting that spiritual worth transcends social status? We might also consider the role of religious institutions during this period. Did the church encourage or discourage such interpretations of biblical narratives? To fully understand Kilian’s work, we can delve into the religious and social history of 17th century Augsburg. We can ask ourselves: What role did the Bible play in shaping social attitudes? What were the prevailing views on social mobility and equality? By engaging in such research, we gain a deeper appreciation of the artwork and its place within the society that created it.