Rabboni (sculpture)

Rabboni is a public artwork by American artist Gutzon Borglum, located Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., United States. Rabboni was surveyed as part of the Smithsonian Save Outdoor Sculpture! survey in 1993. It is a tribute to Charles Matthews Ffoulke, prominent Washington banker and tapestry collector.[1][2]

Rabboni
Ffoulke Memorial, Rabboni-Ffoulke Memorial
ArtistGutzon Borglum
Year1909 (1909)
TypeBronze sculpture
Dimensions190 cm × 94 cm × 94 cm (75 in × 37 in × 37 in)
LocationWashington, D.C., United States
Coordinates38°56′54.1″N 77°0′40.24″W
OwnerRock Creek Cemetery

Description

This Realist sculpture depicts Mary Magdalene emerging from an alcove consisting of three granite blocks that surround her. Dressed in long robes and a cape which covers her head, her proper right hand is raised to lift the cape from her head. Her proper left arm is extended outward in front of her. Her proper right leg is stepping forward, to recognize Jesus Christ has risen from his tomb on Easter.

The lower right of the sculpture is signed: Gutzon Borglum Sc / Gorham Co.

The front of the sculptures base is inscribed: RABBONI

On the back of the center granite piece is an upper bronze plaque which is inscribed:

THE END OF BIRTH IS DEATH
THE END OF DEATH IS LIFE AND
WHERFOR MOURNEST THOU

A lower bronze plaque is inscribed:

IN MEMORY OF
Charles Mather Ffoulke
1841–1909
Sarah Cushing
His Wife
1852–1926
AND THEIR CHILDREN
HORACE CUSHING FFOULKE
1876–1903
GWENDOLINE FFOULKE
CHARLES MATHER FFOULKE II
1889–1912
AND
HORACE CUSHING
BELOVED FATHER OF SARAH CUSHING
1819–1865[2]
  • Detail
  • Front

Information

The title of this piece, Rabboni, is the Hebrew form of rabbi. Upon seeing the resurrected Christ, Magdalene calls him "Rabboni," per this Bible passage:

John 20:16

"Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master". (KJV)

References
  1. Rachel Bucci (2006). "Rock Creek Cemetery: A Place of Tranquility in Our City". Neighborhood News. DC North. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
  2. SOS (1993). "Rabboni, (sculpture)". Save Outdoor Sculpture!. Smithsonian. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
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