When I wrote the John v. Mary piece, I figured not too many people took the topic seriously, so why not have a little fun with it? Well, I was wrong. Wrong about gauging the seriousness and wrong about the fun.
In all honesty, I think it's a glorious thing that so many people are talking about art history - which has a somewhat justifiable reputation for being a stuffy, boring subject. Dan Brown should be commended for introducing it as a topic of conversation by writing The Da Vinci Code.
It is also heartening to see people in search of information. This is a great thing! Faced with a question, I firmly believe that one should embark on a fact-finding mission ASAP. Read as much as you can, and form your own opinion. Not mine, not Dan Brown's, but your own. We may not agree on the outcome, but I will always respect the fact that you are entitled to your opinion.
You are also entirely welcome to visit the Art History Forum and leave or reply to a post on this very subject.
That said, I am a bit (OK, really) frustrated with argumentative emails, personally having neither written the book nor painted the painting. Lacking any conclusive proof, the Mary Magdalene question is unanswerable. Conclusions will always boil down to individual opinions. Mine just happens to be that there is more evidence pointing to John.
Additionally, it's never fun to read email queries asking if one is "an idiot," "stupid" or the politically incorrect "retarded" for having stated a point of view. Certain standards - or what should be standards - of politeness have completely gone missing in such instances.
The topic here is Art History, not Women's History, Women's Issues, Gay Life, Catholicism, General Christianity or Alternative Religions. I would prefer to keep on topic, as there are many thousands of other artists, movements, disciplines and works that deserve the attention of a "Writing Staff" of one person.
My whole point is: I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinions (on anything!). That would be insane, not to mention completely counterintuitive to the educational process. We learn by questioning things. If you want to debate, super! Debate is healthy. The Forum is a marvelous platform for debate. My inbox isn't. If you disagree with that which I've written about The Last Supper, or The Da Vinci Code, head to the Forum.
Now, if you still wish to send email, here is the Contact Your Guide page. I thank you in advance for having read this far, and keeping the tone of the email civil.
Go to "Is That a Man or a Woman in The Last Supper?"
See all FAQs about The Last Supper
