Mary Magdalene
Jan van Scorel
c. 1530
Mary Magdalene can be recognized by the jar of ointment in her hands with which she cared for Jesus’ feet following her conversion to Christianity. She is usually depicted as a prostitute, referencing her alleged past. The influence of Italian painting, which Van Scorel encountered during a sojourn in Rome and Venice, is evident in her clothing.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · Image: Rijksmuseum, Public domain · Text: Rijksmuseum, CC0