Mary Magdalene n.d.

Claude Mellan rendered this drawing of Mary Magdalene in the 17th century, a period marked by religious and artistic reform. Mellan's depiction of Mary Magdalene breaks from conventional representations. Often portrayed as either a repentant sinner or a contemplative recluse, here she appears caught in a moment of dramatic expression. Her gaze is intense, her body contorted, and her hand raised in a gesture that could be interpreted as either supplication or rejection. Mellan invites us to consider the complexities of her character, her transformation, and the societal expectations placed upon women during that era. The skull and book at her side serve as reminders of mortality and knowledge, further emphasizing the themes of repentance and redemption central to her story. Mellan encourages us to engage with Mary Magdalene not just as a biblical figure, but as a woman grappling with faith, identity, and her place in the world.