The women at the tomb

The tempera painting on the right wing shows 3 women at Jesus’ empty tomb as well as Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene. Both scenes are displayed at once, though separated in the composition by the huge sarcophagus. The standing surface behind the sarcophagus is as obscure as the placement of the sarcophagus itself, its rear corner seeming to hover in midair.

Tradition tells us that the 3 women and Mary Magdalene come to the tomb of the Saviour to anoint the body. They find the tomb empty and an angel proclaims to them the Resurrection of Christ. The 3 women – shown here behind the sarcophagus – are fearful and take flight while Mary Magdalene remains nearby.

There Jesus soon appears to her. At first she mistakes him for a gardener, but when he calls her name she recognises him and wishes to hold him. He pulls away with the famous Latin words, „Noli me tangere!“ or ‘Do not hold me!’ adding, “I have not yet ascended to the Father”.