XXXVI. THE RESURRECTION 107

this gift is also first given; and as the first witness of the truth, so she is the first messenger of the Gospel. To the Apostles it was granted to proclaim the Resurrection to all nations; but the Magdalen was bidden to proclaim it to the Apostles.¹

In the chapel of the Bargello,² Giotto has rendered this scene with yet more passionate sympathy. Here, however, its significance is more thoughtfully indicated through all the accessories, down even to the withered trees above the sepulchre, while those of the garden burst into leaf. This could hardly escape notice, when the barren boughs were compared by the spectator with the rich foliage of the neighbouring designs, though, in the detached plate, it might easily be lost sight of.³

¹ [Matthew xxviii. 10, 19.]

² [See above, p. 33 n.]

³ [A withered tree near the tomb is also seen in the preceding picture. The “neighbouring designs” refer to those in the chapel, just above this one of the Resurrection, viz., Nos. 24 and 25, the Raising of Lazarus and the Entry into Jerusalem, in both of which there is a good deal of foliage. (See the plan of the chapel at p. 42.) Lord Lindsay (vol. ii. p. 193) notices that Mary wears “her red robe of love,” and that the Saviour is speaking the words, “Touch Me not.” The banner in His hand is inscribed “Victor Mortis.”-ED. 1899.]

[Version 0.04: March 2008]