The Gospels do not narrate the actual episode of Christ's resurrection, reflecting it rather in the experiences of his followers at the tomb on the morning of the third day. Early images of the Resurrection follow suit, simply portraying the women of Mark 16 (text online, cached) who find the empty tomb (example) or treating the subject symbolically (example). Art in the east continues to avoid directly narrating the resurrection episode, preferring to express it in the Anastasis (see Harrowing of Hell). The west continued to image the women at the tomb (example) but also came to express the Resurrection episode itself, showing Christ's emergence from the tomb while the soldiers sleep, as at left. It is common for him to be holding a standing cross such as we see in the image at left.
In addition to the women of Mark 16, we also see the Resurrection expressed by the episode in John 20 (text online, cached) where Jesus appears to St. Mary Magdalene. This type is sometimes called the Noli Me Tangere, "Do Not Touch Me," from a remark of Jesus in that episode. The Noli Me Tangere may appear singly (example), or paired with the Mark 16 women (example) or the Emmaus episode (example).
In Mexico visitors to the older churches will find "Resurrection Christs," santos of the risen Christ that are used in Easter processions and then kept on side altars during the rest of the year (example). These santos typically carry the standing cross and usually wear something over the perizoma.
Feast day: Easter
At left, 14th-century alabaster from York, England
Other images:
21st century bronze door
The 'Noli Me Tangere' in a Mannerist painting
The
Women at the Tomb: late 12th century high relief
The Women at the Tomb: fresco, 12th/13th centuryMenu