Emil Nolde, St. Mary of Egypt – Death in the Desert

1912
Oil on canvas, 33.8 x 39.3 in. (86 x 100 cm.)
Kunsthalle, Hamburg

The scene is Zosimus's discovery of Mary's body and the preparation for her burial. In the legend, the lion used his claws to dig a grave.

Read more about St. Mary of Egypt.