Vision of St. Mary of Egypt

Vision of St. Mary of Egypt - Technique and Styles

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Vision of St. Mary of Egypt
ca 1682

According to legend, Mary of Egypt, a young woman from Alexandria who lived in the 5th c., at first led a life of sin. She set out to follow some pilgrims in order to seduce them, but felt an urge to enter a church while in Jerusalem. At that point a miracle occurred: she was pushed away from the church entrance by a mysterious force and a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared before her. She repented and went into the desert, devoting herself to fasting, solitude and prayer.