The Three Marys 1783

"The Three Marys" is a watercolor painting by Benjamin West created in 1783. The painting depicts the three Marys, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, visiting the tomb of Jesus after his crucifixion. The women are shown in a somber and devotional posture, with their heads bowed in grief and their hands clasped together in prayer. The painting is characterized by its muted color palette and its focus on the figures' emotional states, reflecting the somber tone of the biblical story. West's use of soft, blended brushstrokes and subtle contrasts of light and shadow contributes to the painting's overall sense of tranquility and introspection.