The Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene c. 1680

François van Bossuit created this ivory relief titled "The Ecstasy of Mary Magdalene" in the late 17th century. The smooth, tactile quality of the ivory invites contemplation, while the composition, arranged as a horizontal frieze, places Mary Magdalene at the center of a spiritual drama. Consider how van Bossuit employs a system of signs to convey complex ideas about spirituality and redemption. The skull and crucifix, positioned on the left, serve as potent symbols of mortality and faith. Conversely, on the right, angels offer a vision of heavenly grace. The reclining figure of Mary Magdalene, caught between these opposing forces, embodies a moment of profound transformation. The artist uses the contrast between the material and its symbolic weight to create an emotional resonance. The ivory’s delicate, almost ethereal quality emphasizes Mary Magdalene’s spiritual transcendence, suggesting that artistic expression can indeed capture the intangible essence of the divine.