Mary Magdalene has had a more varied portrayal in art than any other woman in history. Noble, nubile, haggard, demure, decadent, penitent, passionate, of all ages and all races- she has been Everywoman. From majestic icons of chaste spiritual authority to the pulchritudinous prostitute who enticed the 19th century viewer to more worldly thoughts, she has been an inspiration to centuries of artists to create an ever varying kaleidoscope of extraordinary images. Here are a few of my favorites:
Maria Magdalena by Antonio Veneziano
This lovely 14th century icon found in the Vatican Museum captures the regal grace of the Magdalene as a figure of spiritual authority. The scarlet robes, book and alabaster jar are her standard symbols.
Maria Magdalena by Antonio Veneziano
This lovely 14th century icon found in the Vatican Museum captures the regal grace of the Magdalene as a figure of spiritual authority. The scarlet robes, book and alabaster jar are her standard symbols.
Siennese Paintings of the 14th century Taddeo di Bartolomeo
These two icons by Siennese masters capture the marriage of the Byzantine and the Gothic styles. The painting to the right by Duccio, is a clear evocation of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but I absolutely love the serene yet deeply emotional expression on the face of the Magdalene at the left - her gentle face has an elusive air as if she is deep in thought. |
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Flemish Masters of the 16th century
The anonymous 16th century Flemish school called The Masters of the Female Half Length typically depicted Mary Magdalene as a scholar and musician- seen writing, reading or playing the lute.
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Mary Magdalene with Lute
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Leonardo Da Vinci
The Renaissance master lavished his greatest tenderness on these two images of the Magdalene. The portrait at left is a face of serene beauty, while the intimacy of Mary kissing Christ's feet at left is rendered all the more poignant by the the use of sanguine- a technique an art historian at the Louvre Museum told me Leonardo employed by mixing his own blood with the pigment to create the unusual color.
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Georges de la Tour
These three images show Mary Magdalene as the representative of the deep contemplative life- the skull (signifying her ability to hold death), and the candle flame symbolizing the light of life. The mirror in the middle picture is a symbol for reflection, and the chiaroscuro technique which interweaves profound darkness and shadow with brilliant illumination is a potent reminder that Mary Magdalene was witness to the deepest sorrow and suffering- but also the greatest joy.
Vermeer, The House at Bethany
The intimacy of this household scene- as Mary sits rapt in attention at Jesus' feet, absorbed in his every word- is captivating.
While centuries of theologians have argued whether Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene are the same or different women, the mood of this piece is very congruent with the image of the contemplative Magdalene- also captured in Perugino's portrait below |
Pietro Perugino, Mary Magdalene, 1500
Another beautiful portrait of deep contemplation and serene introspection.
Perugino used the same model for one of his lovely Sibyls, the Greek women of prophecy, reinforcing the idea that Mary Magdalene was a woman who carried enormous spiritual power. |
