Unidentified Italian artist, in the manner of Andrea del Verrocchio, Mary Magdalene, Late 15th or early 16th century, ca. 1500, Polychromed terracotta, 64.8 cm x 21.6 cm x 17.1 cm, 1967.15.

The Bible does not address Mary Magdalene’s life after Christ’s resurrection, but the ninth century text Vita eremitica beatae Mariae Magdalenae and the thirteenth century compilation Golden Legend both elaborated upon her biography. Her presumed special need for penance reflected the idea that she had to repent of her sins as a prostitute. As mentioned above, she was confused with Mary of Egypt, a figure from the Golden Legend who had prostituted herself before her conversion to Christianity. This Italian sculpture and its history illustrates the ongoing confusion between these two Marys. In a letter written at the time of its acquisition by the museum, acting museum director Franklin W. Robinson referred to the sculpture as a “wonderful North Italian Maria Egyptiaca.” Her hair, previously symbolizing her sensual life, became her clothes of repentance. This work was probably inspired by the penitent Mary Magdalene made of wood and on a life-sized scale by Donatello around 1455. This may be a sketch for a larger work or a medium for private devotion, a sign of the importance of the saint and of her assimilation to the effort of penitence.

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