Saint, sinner or feminist icon: How Mary Magdalene's image evolved through time
From "Apostle of the Apostles" to prostitute, Mary Magdalene has been assigned a wide variety of roles, as a new exhibition shows.
Mary Magdalene, a figure steeped in history and mystery, has been portrayed in various roles throughout Christian art and religious thought. From a repentant sinner to a penitent and a confidante of Jesus, these roles have been attributed to her by artists from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Her image has evolved, with Rembrandt depicting her as a witness to Christ's resurrection and Max Beckmann portraying her as a sinning woman.
However, the Bible provides limited information about Mary Magdalene, which has led to various interpretations and misconceptions over time. In the 16th century, the Reformation and Renaissance humanism brought about a shift in thinking, and it wasn't until the Second Vatican Council in 1962-1965 that the identification of Mary Magdalene with the unnamed sinful woman was officially revoked.
In recent times, Mary Magdalene has gained significant recognition as a feminist icon and a key figure in feminist theology. In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical celebration to a Feast, aligning her status with that of male apostles. The exhibition at Städel Museum in Frankfurt, featuring over 100 depictions of Mary Magdalene, highlights the complexity and fascination surrounding her multifaceted character.
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