The Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene c. 1680

François van Bossuit's "The Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene", a small ivory relief sculpture, depicts the biblical figure in a moment of spiritual rapture. Mary Magdalene is shown reclining, her head resting on a book, while angels ascend into heaven above her. The presence of a skull and a cross at her feet emphasizes themes of mortality and resurrection, central to the Christian belief. Created in the late 17th century, the work showcases the artist's mastery of detail and expressiveness, capturing the emotional intensity of the subject through delicate carving and nuanced modeling.