"Return from Calvary," Herbert Gustave Schmalz, 1890 & "Noli Me Tangere," Alexander Ivanov, 1834

This beautiful painting is by Herbert Gustave Schmalz, one of many he painted of New Testament scenes after visiting the Holy Land in 1890. During his sojourn, he kept a series of sketches which were later published in an Art Journal as "A Painter's Pilgrimage."

The title of this painting is, "Return from Calvary." It shows the disciple, John, supporting Mary the mother of Jesus with Mary Magdalene also at her side. John looks back in wonder and pain, uncertain as to what has just happened and questioning what comes next. The weeping women are following behind on the stairs; one gazes back to Golgotha where their Lord was crucified, a dark storm forming.

Earlier, at the cross, Mary the mother of Jesus, heard Him speak, referring to John the apostle, "Woman, behold your son!" And to the apostle John, "Behold, your mother!" John then took the Lord's mother as if she was his own and in this portrayal, walks her home. The thing that stands out to me the most in this moment, is that even in His intense suffering, Christ is still teaching, loving and caring. His concern is for the welfare of his mother, Mary.

Christ championed women and changed their station in the world by his actions. He first declared who he was, not to the ecclesiastical leaders of the day, but to a woman at the well. Later, He again does the unexpected. The first person to whom he appeared after His resurrection was to a woman, Mary Magdalene; He instructs her to go and tell the disciples.

John 20
But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, ...she turned around and saw Jesus standing there... Jesus said to her,“Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Master). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”

This depiction of Christ first appearing to Mary Magdalene is:

Noli Me Tangere (Do not touch me),
Alexander Ivanov, 1834-6

The exact translation is "do not cling to me" which might indicate that she indeed did embrace him in her joy.