In 1688, James, Earl of Strathmore commissioned the Dutch Artist Jacob de Witt to paint Biblical scenes in the new family chapel in Glamis Castle in Scotland.
As you tour the Castle you will come to that family chapel, still in use today I understand. I’ve not been there on a Sunday so I’ll just take the tour guide’s word for that. After all, she seemed like a nice and truthful lady.
de Witt was commissioned to paint the ceiling panels with scenes from the life of Christ, the wall panels depicting the Apostles.
One of the panels on the wall depicts the “Christ as the gardener” and is based on these verses from the Gospel of John.
“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith unto her, ‘Mary.’ She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.Jesus saith unto her, ‘Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.’” – John 20:15-17
It is purported to be the only known picture of Jesus wearing a hat.
I thought it interesting that in 1688 an artist would be familiar enough with John’s Gospel to include the hat.
Oh, and the reason for the hat: All Dutch gardeners of de Witt’s day wore such a hat.