Mary Magdalen Buying Ointment 1666 - 1724

Paolo Gerolamo Piola made this pen and wash drawing, Mary Magdalen Buying Ointment, sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. It depicts a biblical scene infused with the social and economic realities of Piola’s time in Genoa, Italy. Here, Mary Magdalen, traditionally seen as a repentant sinner, is shown purchasing ointment, perhaps to anoint Christ. The act of commerce is central, with the merchant haggling over coins. Piola's work reminds us that religious narratives were often interpreted through the lens of contemporary social structures. The Catholic Church was an important patron of the arts in Genoa, but artists like Piola were also increasingly influenced by secular trends. The drawing’s style reflects the influence of the Genoese School, which focused on drama and emotion. To fully appreciate this work, we need to consult historical texts and economic records to understand the dynamics of trade and religious patronage in Genoa. Art history is not just about aesthetics, it's about understanding the world in which art is produced and consumed.