The Penitent Mary Magdalene, Mateo Cerezo (II), 1661
oil on canvas, h 103.2cm × w 83cm × d 7cm More details
Mary Magdalene was the most important female follower of Jesus. She was present when he was crucified and the first witness to his resurrection. In the art of painting, she was often portrayed as a voluptuous prostitute, as in this work: she was a sinner who came to see the light. However, the Catholic Church did not fully acknowledge her role as a powerful and spiritual woman until 1969.
