About this painting

Of all the witnesses to the resurrection, Mary Magdalene stands out. Once cast aside and tormented, she was transformed by Jesus’ mercy and became a faithful follower. On Resurrection morning, she returned to the tomb a second time in her sorrow—confused, grieving, but unwilling to walk away.

This painting captures that tender, in-between moment—when loss still feels final, and hope hasn’t yet broken through. Mary doesn’t yet realize the risen Christ is standing nearby. But then He speaks her name, and everything changes.

In portraying Mary here, I wanted to reflect more than a scene—I wanted to invite the viewer into her experience. Her longing, her faith in the dark, her tears—these are deeply human. And in the moment she hears His voice, we’re reminded: Christ meets us in our sorrow and calls us by name.