Mary Magdalene in Art
If you have visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art or attended my Painting Mary Magdalene class in the past, you may recognize this painting:
When you go to a museum and want to recognize Mary Magdalene, look for the color red of her robe or dress. Also look for a jar or bottle in her had. She might have red hair or blonde hair. And her hair will probably be wavy and loose, often outside her head-dress. Another of her attributes are her tears. She is often portrayed crying, in the act of washing Jesus’ feet, or during the Cruxifiction. She will be one of three women at the foot of the cross. Mary the Mother will be dressed in blue while the Magdalene will be dressed in red.
Many contemporary artists who paint Mary Magdalene will also use this traditional iconography in their own way to depict Mary Magdalene.
The next time you have the opportunity to visit a museum or old church, take a look at the symbols that the saints hold and look for Mary Magdalene. Also look for contemporary images. You will find a Mary Magdalene in art where you least expect it. Send me your images a nd your thoughts, and I will post them here!
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Yesterday I did end up in the sofa, but not before doing a small drawing of Mary Magdalene similar to the one I draw on the title page of my book when someone orders a copy. It’s just a quick little drawing, to make sure I kept my promise:
Sending you lots of love from my studio in Queens!
This is so wonderful Gina, thank you so much for sharing these images! I love this little Mary Magdalene. And you definitely visited the most wonderful and artful city in the world!!!!
Here is another artwork at the same Accademia Gallery. This one is titled St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories of her life.
Hi Tanya, thank you so much for this thoughtful blog you are writing. I recently developed an interest in Mary Magdalene's depictions in art. I was in Florence, Italy this past September and stopped by the Accademia Gallery with the sole purpose of seeing the famous David sculpture. While I was there, I saw an image of Mary Magdalene in one of the paintings. I am attaching a photo of the image. I don't have the name of the painting. Thank you so much for your Magdalene insights and writing.