Postać świętej Marii Magdaleny w malarstwie

Abstract

The paper focuses on the motif of Mary Magdalene, one of the most popular biblical characters. Mary Magdalene is traditionally identified with a sinful woman (described as having anointed the Lord's feet) (Luke 7:36-50) and with Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha, who also anointed Jesus (John 12:3), and considered to have been the closest companion of Jesus. Mary Magdalene has been a popular subject of many poems and painting. Magdalene the Penitent is customarily portrayed with long loose hair falling down her naked shoulders. Among her attributes are a nard fiask, a cross, a book and a skull. The author concentrates on the non conventional painting by Georges de la Tour in which Mary Magdalene is depicted with startling austerity. The saint frequently appears in scenes of Passion where she is positioned at the foot of the cross while the mourning Virgin Mary and Saint John observe at the side from nearby. She is also often seated at the feet of the dead body of Christ in Pietas and appears in scenes of entombment of Christ. All those scenes present dynamie portrayals of mourning Mary Magdalene where always pictured as a prostitute she is an involved participant of the happening. Other popular portrayals are Noli me tangere scenes where Jesus appears to Mary after his resurrection. Painters depict the close relationship between Mary Magdalene and Christ marking the changes it had undergone. The character of Mary Magdalene, the inspiration of painters and poets, combines various conflicts: sacrum and profanum, earthy and noble love, eros and tanatos. The works of literature and art exploiting the motif of Mary Magdalene have inspired each other.