Drie Maria's bij het lege graf 1789 - 1807

Jean-Baptiste Patas created this print, "Drie Maria's bij het lege graf," likely in the late 18th century, using etching techniques. The artwork depicts the biblical scene of the three Marys at the empty tomb of Jesus. During the 1700s, France experienced significant social and political upheaval, questioning traditional structures of power. It was also a moment when women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, with limited access to education and public life. In this context, Patas represents these women as central figures in a pivotal religious narrative, giving them agency and emotional depth. Their expressions of sorrow, surprise, and awe, challenge the more stoic and masculine ideals often prioritized in historical and religious depictions. The image suggests a quiet, intimate moment of revelation that emphasizes the emotional and personal dimensions of religious experience. This print invites us to reflect on the diverse roles and experiences of women in shaping and interpreting religious narratives.