Maria Magdalena in gebed 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers created this etching of Maria Magdalena in prayer sometime around the late 18th century. Mary Magdalene was a key figure in the New Testament, a devoted follower of Jesus, who appears in canonical accounts as a witness to the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Often depicted as a reformed prostitute, she embodies repentance and the possibility of redemption through faith. Cocler’s image participates in the rich history of the Magdalene as a figure who has inspired both veneration and debate. Made in the Netherlands at a time when religious beliefs were often contentious, the print may have served as a devotional object, circulating within private networks of believers. As historians, we can consult theological texts, social histories of religion, and studies of print culture to understand the work's place in its time. Through careful research, we can learn more about the public role of images and the politics of belief in the 1700s.