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Mary
Magdalene Announces The Origins of This Image Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:15-18) The only traditional icon in which Mary Magdalene appears is referred to by the Latin phrase Noli Me Tangere, "do not hold on to me," from John 20:17. In this new composition by Sister Mary Charles, the next verse is illustrated wherein she tells the apostles about her experience. All four gospels tell of this event, see Matthew 28:8, Mark 16:13, and Luke 24:9. The apostles do not believe Mary’s words, according to the accounts in Mark and Luke, but their doubts are quickly erased when they see Christ for themselves. Theology and Symbolism "I have seen the Lord!" Mary Magdalene stands facing the eleven apostles, earnestly trying to communicate the wonderful news that Jesus is alive! Their faces reflect a mixture of puzzlement and scepticism, sadness and hopelessness, having themselves only just experienced the arrest, crucifixion, and burial of their beloved Lord. A fanciful representation of the city of Jerusalem forms the background, with a rainbow providing a symbol of the Resurrection. The only apostle traditionally identified in scenes such as this is Peter, the figure in a blue robe nearest Mary. Each person is depicted with elongated bodies in a style made famous by Dionysius, a Russian iconographer from the 14th century. The ratio of the height of the figures to the height of their heads is about nine, compared to the normal human proportion of seven. This is done in certain icons to emphasize the importance of the saints depicted. Each apostle and Mary Magdalene have halos of gold leaf surrounding their heads. This ancient symbol of sanctity is meant to symbolize the Divine light of God shining forth through the work of this holy woman and these holy men.
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Product Specifications Our icon designs are offered in several formats. Typically we print in four sizes; 4", 6", 8", and 10" on the short dimension. Available sizes and formats for each design are listed at the bottom of the product page. Icon Reproductions on Wood: Our icons are available mounted on wood in the traditional manner. The wood is 3/4" thick solid hardwood, typically poplar, with a tee-slot milled in the back for easy hanging on the wall. (The 4" size is 1/2" thick.) The wood is stained a traditional icon red, in keeping with Byzantine tradition. (Ancient icon board edges were frequently coated with red bole, a form of clay). The wood and the print are protected with furniture-grade satin lacquer. Each icon comes with a descriptive folder explaining the symbolism and history of the image. Double-Matted Prints: We also provide icon prints mounted on heavy cardboard and covered with a double mat. The inner mat is navy blue with a 1/4" reveal. The outer mat is an off-white to blend with any decor. The matted prints are sized to fit standard frames, 8" x 10", 11" x 14", or 16" x 20" depending on the print size. Descriptive folder included. Greeting Cards: Most of our designs are now available in our popular greeting card format. These are single-fold cards printed on heavy stock, 4.38" x 5.93". The cards are blank inside for your own message or custom imprint and have an explanation of the history and symbolism of the icon printed on the back. They are available singly or in packages of ten, envelopes included. Holy Cards: Most designs are available in holy card form. These are a convenient size for use as gifts or bookmarks, 3 1/8" x 4 5/8" on heavy cream-colored paper. The backs are blank except for a faint colophon at the bottom, leaving plenty of room for custom imprinting with your own message. These holy cards are sold in packages of 25 or 100. Sanctuary-Size Icons: Icons can be a beautiful way to enhance a worship space. All of our icons are available as extra large prints, up to 38 inches wide. The latest technology enables enlargement without sacrificing quality. Call 800-889-0105 for pricing and ordering. |
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