LEYDEN, Lucas van
(b. 1494, Leiden, d. 1533, Leiden)

Dance of Mary Magdalen

1519
Engraving, 295 x 403 mm
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco

The Dance of Mary Magdalen is one of Lucas's most famous engravings. In this print the setting is the familiar garden of love, with numerous amorous couples lying about and seated on the grasses of a woodland park, some embracing, others singing or drinking. Two musicians provide the music as the Magdalen and her partner perform a stately dance.