The Marys at the sepulcher Enrico Scuri (1805-1884)

Here we observe a scene unfolding within a shadowed grotto or cave-like structure. Three women, draped in somber fabrics – primarily blues, browns, and ochre – are positioned on the left side of the composition, facing a figure seated on the right. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the central figures while leaving much of the background shrouded in darkness.
The woman closest to the viewer wears a pale head covering and a reddish-brown robe over a green undergarment; she holds a vessel, likely intended for anointing or ritualistic purposes. Beside her stands another woman veiled in dark brown fabric, her posture suggesting shock or distress. The third woman, positioned slightly behind them, is similarly draped in blue and yellow, her face conveying a mixture of grief and apprehension.
The seated figure, bathed in a soft, diffused light, appears to be an angelic being. He wears simple white robes and his expression conveys a sense of serene authority. His right hand is extended towards the women, seemingly gesturing or communicating with them. The gesture isnt one of comfort exactly, but rather of imparting information – a revelation that seems to cause consternation among the group facing him.
The artist has employed a limited palette and strong contrasts between light and shadow to create an atmosphere of solemnity and mystery. The dark background emphasizes the figures in the foreground, drawing attention to their emotional responses. The composition is structured around diagonal lines created by the women’s postures and the angle of the rock face, contributing to a sense of dynamism within the otherwise static scene.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of faith, revelation, and the encounter with the divine. The womens reactions suggest a moment of profound realization – a confrontation with something beyond their understanding. The angel’s presence signifies not just an announcement but also a disruption of expectations, challenging the established order and prompting questions about mortality and belief. The vessel held by one of the women hints at traditional mourning rituals, which are now rendered obsolete by this unexpected encounter.