Lot 46

Jaroslav Veris Zamazal (1900 - 1983) MARY MAGDALENE IN THE DESERT

There is an old legend in France that after the Resurrection, the "Three Marys" - Mary Magdalene, Mary of James (mother of James and John) and Mary Salome went to France. Mary Magdalene, however, left the others and went to the desert, to the desolate mountain ridge of Sainte-Baume, and there she lived the rest of her life in penance and piety. This legend of Magdalene inspired a great cult in France, and St. John Cassian founded a monastery and grottoes near Sainte-Baume where Magdalene lived, which are still a popular pilgrimage site today.