Artwork
The Three Holy Women at the Tomb
The Three Holy Women at the Tomb is a drawing by First Master of the Cortona Antiphonaries. It dates from 1262 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Three Holy Women at the Tomb, a miniature on vellum, is a 1262 drawing attributed to the First Master of the Cortona Antiphonaries. It portrays a serene scene of three myrrhbearers at a tomb.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the myrrhbearers, three women carrying jars of myrrh, conveying a sense of quiet reverence through their gentle facial expressions and focused actions.
Technique & Style
Characterized by simplicity, the artist employed understated lines and a restrained color palette, prioritizing the women's quiet devotion over intricate details.
History & Provenance
Created in 1262, the piece is stylistically consistent with the oeuvre of the First Master of the Cortona Antiphonaries, though specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
This miniature reflects the medieval artistic tradition of illustrating biblical scenes with restraint, emphasizing spiritual contemplation.
Artist & collection
Artist
First Master of the Cortona Antiphonaries
First Master of the Cortona Antiphonaries (1250–1275) was an artist.
Leaf 7 from an antiphonal fragment
Isaac Sending Esau Out to Hunt
The Annunciation to the Virgin
Leaf 3 from an antiphonal fragment
Christ Giving the Keys to Saint Peter
Leaf 4 from an antiphonal fragment
Leaf 4 from an antiphonal fragment (verso)
The Three Maries at the Tomb with the Angel of the Resurrection
