St. Mary Magdalen Trampling Her Valuables 1622 - 1623

Curator: The scene seems to drown in sorrow. The tonal range, the somber quality of the line work...it creates such a dense and melancholic atmosphere. Editor: You’ve captured it well. We’re looking at “St. Mary Magdalen Trampling Her Valuables,” an engraving executed sometime around 1622-1623. The artist was Lucas Vorsterman I, working from an original by Peter Paul Rubens, as you can read on the bottom corner. Curator: The handling of fabric here is remarkable, especially the folds of Magdalen's dress, such a strong texture contrasting with her apparent distress. Note how her bare foot emphasizes her detachment from worldly comfort. Editor: Indeed. Vorsterman and others, like Boetius à Bolswert, helped popularize the Rubens's baroque style via prints during this time. The proliferation of his designs this way across Europe significantly boosted his market, right? Curator: Exactly, because of the high level of craft present. Also consider that engravings like this became important objects of trade themselves; the making and distribution networks had as much influence as the subject in some circles. Editor: A very astute point! Technically, the composition is brilliant, guiding the eye down from Mary’s face towards the discarded jewels below. The way the light catches her, though it’s a stark engraving, brings incredible dimension to the image. She is very emotional. Curator: And we shouldn’t underestimate the symbolism: these aren’t just "valuables," but symbols of wealth and vanity rejected. It tells a material story, with spiritual significance—the commerce of piety, perhaps. The tools used to print and sell an image depicting the rejection of earthly pleasure? A powerful concept. Editor: It definitely pushes the boundaries of medium and message! So, as we consider Mary’s story of repentance and spiritual transformation, how fascinating that the reproduction and dissemination of this image depended on systems very much entrenched in material concerns. Curator: Absolutely, a poignant tension to the work. Thanks for drawing out the material considerations embedded within such an iconic portrayal of renunciation! Editor: Likewise! A true marvel, this. Thanks.