Christ in the House of Martha and Mary
Medium
Pen and brown ink, brown and gray wash, over traces of graphite. Squared in red chalk and graphite.
Dimensions
7 11/16 x 5 15/16 in. (19.6 x 15.1 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of John Morton Morris, in memory of Lawrence Turcic, 1988
Accession Number
1988.231
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the intimate drawing *Christ in the House of and Mary*, Ferdinand Pierre Ignace Delamonce a pivotal biblical moment from the Gospel of Luke (10:38–42). Here, Jesus visits the sisters Martha and Mary: Martha busies herself with household tasks while Mary sits attentively at his feet, absorbing his teachings. This scene, a staple in Christian art, highlights themes of devotion, service, and spiritual priorities, often interpreted as a meditation on active versus contemplative life. Delamonce's masterful technique shines in this preparatory sheet, executed in pen and brown ink with subtle bro...