Maria Magdalena 1709 - 1731

Nicolaes Six created this etching of Maria Magdalena in the early 18th century. The skull, a constant memento mori, reminds us of death's ever-present shadow, a symbol that stretches back to ancient Roman funerary art. Here, Mary Magdalene is depicted with introspective melancholy, her delicate hand to her face. We observe similar gestures of contemplation in classical depictions of melancholic philosophers. Thinkers like Heraclitus, who wept at the world's sorrows. This pose, passed through Renaissance art, becomes a codified language of sorrow and reflection, a visual echo resonating through ages. Notice too how the skull and book are placed in relation to the figure, creating a tableau of vanitas. These elements speak to the transient nature of life and the futility of earthly knowledge versus divine wisdom. This visual theme evolves through time, manifesting in diverse forms, yet at its core, it conveys a powerful message about human existence.