In our previous post on the Passion murals of Ixmiquilpan, we noted the unusual number of rare, post Resurrection scenes in the sacristy, focusing on the unique fresco of the Noli Me Tangere biblical episode.
On this page we look at three other post-Resurrection events illustrated in the sacristy mural cycle: The Ascension; Pentecost, and Christ's appearance to the Apostles (Doubting Thomas.) All three frescoes, drawn from Flemish prints, are skillfully delineated in warm monochrome, accented with turquoise and burgundy tinted details.
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| The Incredulity of Thomas |
Shortly after Jesus revealed himself to the Apostles after the Resurrection, when Thomas joined the group he expressed skepticism about Christ's appearance, refusing to believe until he could actually see and touch the wounds received on the cross.
According to tradition, Thomas then touched the wound on Jesus' side and became a believer. This episode, infrequently illustrated, contains a cautionary message. In Jesus' words, " Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: but blessed are they that have not seen, and still believe".
The wide eyed figures are compressed into a narrow frame, which heightens the sense of drama. The distinctive regional geological feature of Los Frailes appears in the landscape.
Apart from a partial depiction at Tepetlaoxtoc, portrayal of this scene at Ixmiquilpan is thought to be unique among surviving early Mexican monastic murals.
Apart from a partial depiction at Tepetlaoxtoc, portrayal of this scene at Ixmiquilpan is thought to be unique among surviving early Mexican monastic murals.
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| The Ascension of Christ (details) |
The Ascension (#11)
This more commonly portrayed event, which took place 40 days following the Resurrection, marked the transition of Jesus from the earthly realm to that of God.
In these literal details from the mural, the Virgin Mary kneels in prayer among the gathered Apostles to witness the physical ascension. Christ's footprints are imprinted on the hillside behind and his lower body can be glimpsed as he rises into the celestial clouds.
Pentecost (#12)This more commonly portrayed event, which took place 40 days following the Resurrection, marked the transition of Jesus from the earthly realm to that of God.
In these literal details from the mural, the Virgin Mary kneels in prayer among the gathered Apostles to witness the physical ascension. Christ's footprints are imprinted on the hillside behind and his lower body can be glimpsed as he rises into the celestial clouds.
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| Pentecost |
Taking place fifty days after Easter, this biblical episode commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles while they were in Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Pentecost, believed to signify the beginning of evangelical Christianity.
Once again the Mother of Jesus occupies center stage as the rays of the Holy Spirit descend upon the awed group of bearded Apostles.
text © 2017 Richard D. Perry
color images by the author and courtesy of Niccolò Brooker
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