Christus gezalfd door Maria Magdalena 1575 - 1581

Philips Galle created this engraving, “Christus gezalfd door Maria Magdalena,” sometime between 1537 and 1612, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Galle situates us in a scene rich with social and religious implications. Here, Mary Magdalene, a figure often marginalized yet central to the Gospels, is depicted anointing Jesus's feet. This act, loaded with intimacy and devotion, challenges the patriarchal norms of the time. The reactions of the men at the table—some appear judgmental, others curious—highlight the societal discomfort with such displays of female agency and affection. Galle, working in a period of religious reform and social upheaval, captures the tension between traditional expectations and emergent spiritual expressions. Mary Magdalene, often conflated with the sinful woman of the city, reclaims her identity through this act of service, offering an alternative narrative of female piety. Her tears, wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair, speak to a depth of emotion that transcends societal constraints. The print serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of faith, gender, and the quiet power of subversive acts.