CORNELISZ VAN OOSTSANEN, Jacob
(b. ca. 1472, Oostzan, d. 1533, Amsterdam)

Mary Magdalen

1519
Panel, 49 x 40 cm
Art Museum, Saint Louis

Mary Magdalen, one of the most popular female saints in the early sixteenth century, is depicted here at half-length, as a wealthy young woman, delicately holding the ointment jar that anointed Christ's feet, within a luxurious setting. She is well dressed and wears elegant jewelry, painted in meticulous detail. This panel may also be a portrait of an unknown sitter in the guise of the female saint.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.