St. Mary Magdalen in the Clouds 1518

Lucas van Leyden’s 1518 engraving, *St. Mary Magdalen in the Clouds*, depicts the biblical figure of Mary Magdalen, standing on a cloud and holding an alabaster jar in her left hand. This small, yet intricate work, displays van Leyden’s mastery of detail, particularly the expressive rendering of Mary Magdalen’s face and the soft drapery of her clothing. The masterful use of hatching and crosshatching creates a sense of depth and texture, making the figure of St. Mary Magdalen appear almost tangible.