St. Mary Magdalene on the Clouds (copy) 1515 - 1520

Lucas van Leyden rendered this image of Saint Mary Magdalene on a copperplate in the early sixteenth century. We find her standing on swirling clouds, illuminated by a halo, with her long hair unbound. She bears two objects: a lidded ointment jar and a skull. The ointment jar is her attribute, linking to the biblical account of Mary anointing Jesus’s feet. This motif has traveled through art history, a persistent symbol of repentance and transformation. The skull, another potent symbol, speaks to mortality and penance, reminding us of life’s fleeting nature. Consider the vanitas paintings of the 17th century, where skulls appear amidst earthly pleasures, a stark reminder of death's inevitability. The skull, like Magdalene’s jar, becomes a focal point, prompting reflection. These symbols work on a subconscious level, resonating with our deepest fears and hopes. This image becomes a mirror reflecting our own anxieties and desires for redemption.