I-Spy guide to Saints #1 – Mary Magdalene

~ phloebus
  • Naked (but covered by long hair) or
  • Wearing just a cloak, often red
  • Long blonde hair.
  • Often placed at the bottom of the cross and hugging cross or Christ’s feet.
  • Washing Christ’s feet with her hair.
  • Holding a red egg (symbolic of resurrection)
  • A cup or box of ointment
  • Penitence
Jose de Ribera (1591-1652)

  • Red cloak
  • Cup
  • Long hair
  • Penitent
  • Quite a lot of flesh on show.
Luca Signorelli (1450-1523)

  • Red cloak
  • Long blond hair
  • Cup
Ugolino di Nerio (12-80-1349)

  • Red cloak
  • Is there a hint of a cup top at the bottom?
Andrea di Cione di Arcangelo (1308-1368)

Mary Magdalene on the left.

  • Long blond hair
  • Red clothing
  • Cup

The scroll she holds reads Ne desperetis vos qui peccar[e] soletis exemplo que meo vos re[parate deo] – Do not despair those of you who are accustomed to sin and, in keeping with my example, prepare for God. Which is another clue!
Robert Campin (1375-1444)

  • Base of crucifix
  • Red cloak
Attavante degli Attavanti (or Vante; 1452–1525)

Covering her nakedness with hair!
WATCH OUT!

This is St Helena – mother of Emperor Constantine and finder of the true cross.

Blond hair, red cloak, and clutching a cross… But not Mary Magdelene…

(Cima da Conegliano (c. 1459 – c. 1517))

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