Maria Magdalena 1678

Cornelis van Caukercken created this print of Maria Magdalena in the 17th century. In it, we observe her in a cavern, contemplating a skull while angels hover above. The skull, a symbol of mortality, rests under her hand, its empty sockets staring back at us. This memento mori is not just a morbid emblem; it connects us to a tradition stretching back to ancient vanitas paintings, where earthly pleasures are juxtaposed with the inevitability of death. Even in ancient Roman triumphs, a slave would whisper “Memento Mori” to the conquering general, reminding him of his mortality amidst his glory. The cyclical nature of symbols allows them to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings. Here, the motif appears in a religious context to provide an emotional and psychological depth, reminding us of our shared destiny.