Maria Magdalena 1595 - 1599

"Maria Magdalena," a 1595-1599 etching by Karel van Mallery, depicts the biblical figure Mary Magdalene with a jar of ointment in her hands, looking up as she prepares to anoint Jesus' feet. The image portrays the moment described in the Gospels, where Mary Magdalene expresses her devotion and repentance through this symbolic act. The etching, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases van Mallery's skill in depicting fine detail, particularly in the folds of Mary Magdalene’s robes and the textures of the jar. The image is a testament to the enduring power of religious narratives in art.