Maria Magdalena 1520 - 1562

Monogrammist AC made this engraving of Maria Magdalena in the 16th century. The image presents us with an opportunity to consider how religious figures were portrayed and understood in Northern Europe at that time. Magdalena is depicted as an upper-class woman holding an ointment jar, an attribute associated with the stories of her repentance and devotion to Christ. The print’s formal setting, with its decorative archway and cherubic figures, elevates her status. During the Reformation, the Catholic Church came under scrutiny for what some saw as the excessive veneration of saints. Prints like this circulated widely and played a role in shaping popular religious sentiment. Were they aids to devotion, or idols? To fully understand this print, we can consult a range of sources, from theological treatises to the account books of printmakers and distributors, all of which contribute to an understanding of the complex function of art within society.