Christus gezalfd door Maria Magdalena 1635 - 1694

Dirck de Bray created this woodcut depicting Christ Anointed by Mary Magdalene in the Netherlands sometime in the latter half of the 17th century. Its visual codes reflect the religious and social norms of its time. The scene captures a moment of profound humility and reverence, as Mary Magdalene anoints Christ's feet, a gesture loaded with symbolic meaning. This was a period marked by intense religious sentiment and debates within the Christian community, particularly regarding the roles of repentance, forgiveness, and devotion. De Bray's artistic choices likely mirrored the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age, a time of both prosperity and religious contemplation. The work might have been a commentary on the prevailing social structures, subtly challenging or reinforcing societal attitudes towards women, piety, and the interpretation of religious texts. To fully grasp its significance, researchers might delve into religious literature and social histories of the Dutch Golden Age, exploring the artistic patronage, and the socio-political context that shaped De Bray's vision.