Figure of Mary Magdalene 17th-19th century

This figure of Mary Magdalene was skillfully carved, most likely by an anonymous European artist, using ivory. Ivory, with its smooth texture and capacity to hold fine detail, was a prized material. The figure has remarkable texture; her hair flows naturally, cascading over her shoulders, and her robes fall in delicate folds. See how the artist has manipulated the material to create a sense of depth and movement. Consider, too, that this object was originally gleaming white, the result of considerable labor. It would have been slowly built up, perhaps using a variety of small tools to achieve the desired level of detail, from the solemn expression on Mary's face to the intricate decorations along the hems of her garments. This piece represents luxury, religious devotion, and the intersection of nature and artifice. It challenges the distinction between craft and fine art, inviting us to appreciate the artistry inherent in its making.