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S. Maria Magdalena

Anton Wierix

1588

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Mary Magdalene

Dominant colour

S. Maria Magdalena is a 1588 ink by Anton Wierix, a Renaissance work, depicting Mary Magdalene, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Anton Wierix
When & what style?: 1588 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a woman in a flowing robe holding a small jar, her head tilted up. The fine lines and shadows create depth and texture. The jar likely holds oil for anointing, a common early Christian symbol. Anton Wierix cut this plate by hand before inking it. His skill made prints like this last for centuries without fading. Metal tools dragged across a copper plate left crisp, clean lines. Want to see how this method works? Try looking up engraving, cross-hatching.