Christus gezalfd door Maria Magdalena 1581 - 1658

"Christus gezalfd door Maria Magdalena," or "Christ Anointed by Mary Magdalene," was created by Christoffel van Sichem II during a time of religious and social upheaval in the Netherlands. This woodcut captures a charged moment as Mary Magdalene, a figure often associated with repentance, anoints Jesus' feet. Van Sichem's choice to depict this intimate act invites us to consider the complex relationships between religious figures and gendered identities. The male figures at the table appear as spectators; their perspectives shape our understanding of Mary's act. Is she a sinner seeking redemption, or a devoted follower showing reverence? Consider how societal expectations of women during the 17th-century might have influenced perceptions of Mary Magdalene. This image encourages a dialogue about the roles of women in religious narratives and their complex negotiation of power, sexuality, and spirituality.