Artwork Description:
This original DiFalco etching is based on a photograph he took in 1987, which he then and adapted it for etching by executing three graphite drawings. He took the photo in the village of Rennes le Chateau, France, within the Church of Mary Magdalene. This mystical site’s fascinating history encompasses hidden treasure, conspiracy theories, including the claim that Mary Magdalene relocated with her family to Rennes, after Christ’s death. Moreover, the building has been reconstructed several times. The original church could date back to the 8th century. The narrative centers around a statue of Mary Magdalene holding a large wood cross and urn, probably filled with the expensive oil that she poured over Christ’s feet. What makes this statue unique is the skull that sits upon a book at Mary’s feet. The pages of this book contain a scribbled alphabet that resembled a cuneiform like code. The skull could represent Golgotha, John the Baptist, Adam, or the resurrection of Christ. According to Wikipedia, “. .. this original church was almost certainly in ruins by the 10th or 11th century, when another church was built upon the site—remnants of which can be seen in Romanesque pillared arcades on the north side of the apse. This survived in poor repair until the 19th century, when Bérenger Saunière...”, the local priest, renovated it. Di Falco’s etching—executed with the studio techniques of intaglio and aquatint—was created on a zinc plate developed in several Nitric acid baths. Drypoint was also employed. The media include oil-base etching inks on RivesBFK white paper, both manufactured in France. The hand-printed editions were made on a Charles Brand industrial printing press at The Center for Works on Paper in Philadelphia. The price includes shipment costs, packing materials, frame, mat, mailing carton, handling and Certificate of Authenticity. This print is from the THIRD Edition of Four, with each edition limited to only five etchings. This is print number one of five.1 5II IV. This specific work is dedicated to the novelist, Kathleen McGowan, who wrote a trilogy entitled, The Magdalene Line.
Artwork Keywords:
Mary Magdelene, Church, Mysteries, Holy Grail, Kathaleen Mcgowan, , Original Printmaking