Study for "Christ Appearing to Mary" 1877 - 1878

John La Farge made this study for “Christ Appearing to Mary” as a preparatory sketch. La Farge was active during a period of significant social and cultural change in America; post-civil war. In this drawing, Mary Magdalene is depicted kneeling before Christ after his resurrection. La Farge challenges traditional artistic representations by imbuing Mary with agency and emotion. Her posture suggests a mix of reverence, disbelief, and profound emotional recognition. Mary, often portrayed as a repentant sinner, is here depicted as a key witness to Christ's resurrection, a role of immense importance. What does it mean to position a woman as central to such a pivotal moment? The faceless figure of Christ adds a layer of mystery, emphasizing his divine nature and the transformative experience of encountering the resurrected Christ.