Mary Magdalene c. 1530

janvanscorel

character portrait

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

portrait reference

rock

underpainting

painting painterly

portrait drawing

musical-instrument

portrait art

watercolor

Jan van Scorel’s “Mary Magdalene” (c. 1530) depicts the biblical figure holding a jar of ointment. The artwork is a classic example of Northern Renaissance portraiture, showcasing the artist’s attention to detail and realistic depiction of the subject. Mary Magdalene is depicted in a serene, contemplative pose, her gaze directed towards the viewer, suggesting a personal connection with the audience. The background, featuring a landscape with trees and mountains, adds a sense of depth and context to the scene. The painting’s realistic portrayal of Mary Magdalene and the serene landscape exemplifies the artistic style of the Northern Renaissance.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The woman is Mary Magdalene. She can be identified by her jar of ointment, which she used to anoint Jesus’s feet. Van Scorel painted her as a seductive, luxuriously dressed courtesan, a reference to herreputed past as a prostitute. Her clothing shows the influence of Italian painting, to which Van Scorel was introduced during his trip to Rome.