Mary Magdalene 

Giovanni Bellini painted Mary Magdalene sometime around the turn of the 16th century in Venice. During the Renaissance, depictions of Mary Magdalene often grappled with her complex identity. Was she a repentant sinner, a devoted follower of Christ, or both? Here, Bellini presents a more reserved, even noble figure. Her gaze is averted, and her hands gently cross her chest in what seems like both protection and piety. The rich fabric and elaborate jewelry hint at her previous life, while her modest expression suggests a spiritual transformation. Bellini’s Mary isn’t overly sexualized, as can be the case with other portrayals, but rather she embodies a quiet introspection. The artist seems to be inviting us to consider the multifaceted nature of female identity, navigating the tensions between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations. This image doesn’t seek to resolve those contradictions, but rather holds them in a delicate, human balance.