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Andrea Solario - Mary Magdalen - Walters 37509
Summary
According to Church (but not biblical) tradition, Mary Magdalene was a sinful woman, who upon meeting Christ repented her former ways. She was present at the Crucifixion and later went to anoint Christ's dead body (in accordance with Jewish burial ritual), only to discover that he was resurrected. As in this painting, the Magdalene is often depicted as a great beauty with long golden hair. She is shown here transferring the ointment from a maiolica pharmacy jar to a smaller vessel.
Probably a follower of Andrea Solario, the artist has represented the Magdalene in a style influenced by the works of Leonardo da Vinci, particularly in the subtle "sfumato" technique that invisibly blends light and shade and make contours appear soft.
St. Mary Magdalene is often depicted in Christian art holding a jar of ointment, which is meant to symbolize the ointment she used to anoint the feet of Jesus during the Last Supper, as described in the New Testament. This act of devotion is seen as a powerful expression of Mary Magdalene's love and devotion to Jesus, she pours the ointment from the jar onto Jesus' feet.
Andrea Solario (1460—1524) was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Milanese school. He was initially named Andre del Gobbo, but more confusingly as Andrea del Bartolo, a name shared with two other Italian painters, the 14th Century Siennese Andrea di Bartolo, and the 15th Century Florentine Andrea di Bartolo.
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