3-035-563 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Saint Mary Magdalene at the Sepulchre, about 1530s. Additional Info: Savoldo depicts Mary Magdalene in the Garden of Gethsemane peering from behind shimmering folds of satin fabric, tentatively looking outward at the viewer. She is identifiable by her ointment jar on the left, containing the oil with which she anointed Christ’s feet. She stands by the sepulchre, preparing to anoint the Saviour’s body. Unbeknownst to her, Christ has risen, and she is soon to encounter him in the garden. Although Christ has not yet appeared, the strong light that bathes the left half of the painting implies his illuminating presence. The shadow cast across the Magdalene's face gives her an appearance that is at once vulnerable and mysterious, while also functioning as a metaphor for her impending enlightenment. The rich, iridescent drapery perhaps alludes to her legendary former life as a prostitute.