The Three Marys at the Tomb, Noli me tangere, Christ Appearing to Peter

The three women at Christ’s tomb (Mt 28:8-10; Mk 16:1-8) are represented both on this capital and on another one in its immediate proximity (E08PP20). The main difference is that here two angels appear at the tomb, as described in John’s Gospel (Jn 20:11-18). With wings outspread, they sit on the edge of the sarcophagus: the one points upwards to heaven, the other points to Mary, who is standing on the south-east side of the capital.
Behind her, on the south side of the capital, is the ensuing scene of the Noli me tangere. Before a plant, symbolizing the garden of Gethsemane, Mary Magdalene is kneeling; she pleads with Christ. But he – unrecognizable with cruciform nimbus – warns her, by the turning of his body and the gesture of his hand, not to hold him.
On the west side of the capital Christ appears once again, this time before Peter, as testified in Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:5).
The figure of Christ as the risen Redeemer is further identified by the inscription IHS painted on the abacus plate, as also is that of the apostle Peter (PETRVS).

Noli-me-tangere Christ Martha Mary Magdalena Gospel Matthew John angel tomb garden Gethsemane Peter Letter Paul Corinthian IHS PETRVS