Maria Magdalena 1645 - 1657

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut print of Maria Magdalena. Here, she is surrounded by symbols of earthly vanity: jewels, a mirror, and perfume flasks. They signify her past life before conversion. Note how these items are carefully arranged on the table, a stage for her transformation. In the background, the figure of Mary appears again, kneeling before a crucifix. This juxtaposition reminds me of the vanitas motifs in Dutch Golden Age painting, where worldly objects symbolize the transience of life. The mirror, in particular, has a long history; from ancient Greece, where it reflected not just the physical but also the soul, to medieval times when it was associated with feminine vanity and sin. Yet, here, perhaps it symbolizes self-awareness and the moment of reflection that precedes spiritual change. This image encapsulates the emotional intensity of leaving behind a life of sensory indulgence for one of devotion. It speaks to our own subconscious desires and fears, our own internal conflicts between pleasure and virtue.