Mary Magdalene Statue Printmaking By Jerry Di Falco

Year:

Medium:

Intaglio Print

Size - (USA):

9 W x 12 H x 1 D (inches)

Size - (metric):

22.9 W x 30.5 H x 2.5 D (centimeters)

Theme:

Landmarks

Edition:

Original

Artwork ID:

630705

PDF Copy:

Artwork Info Sheet (PDF)

Artwork Description:

This original Di Falco etching is based on a photograph he took in 1987 and adapted it for etching by first 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 theoriesincluding the claim that Mary Magdalene relocated with her family to Rennes, after Christ’s death , and the Catharsmoreover, the building has been reconstructed several times. The original church could date back to the 8th century. The etching’s narrative centers around a statue of Mary Magdalene holding a large wood cross and urn, probably filled with the expensive oil that she reputedly 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, or the resurrection of Christ. According to Wikipedia, “... this original church was almost certainly in ruins by the 10 or 11 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 packing materials, frame, mat, mailing carton, and Certificate of Authenticity. This print is from the Second Edition of Four editions, with each edition limited to only five etchings. This is print number two of five, or 1 5I IV.

Artwork Keywords:   Statue, France, Holy Grail, Gold, Intaglio, Church Art, Original Printmaking

Materials:   Intaglio Prints