Resurrection

The Resurrection of Christ is a central tenet of Christianity and is celebrated at the feast of Easter. According to the Bible, Christ rose from his grave on the third day after his crucifixion. Although this is not described fully, there are accounts of events that took place at the empty grave.

The Resurrection is rendered variously in art. The risen Christ is shown stepping out of the grave, standing on his tomb or hovering above it. Quite often occurrences that took place after the Resurrection are depicted as well, such as the astonished Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene at the open tomb, sometimes in the company of the sleeping guards or an angel. After his resurrection Christ remained on earth for 40 days until his ascension. He appeared to a few of his disciples and to Mary Magdalene. At times, the Resurrection and the Ascension are combined in a single image.