MAGDALENE IN THE MIRROR

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Title: 'The Repenting Magdalene'
Artist: Georges de La Tour
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Date: late 1630'sIncident shown: Mary surveys the mirror,

symbol of her former vanity and preoccupation

with worldly things. It casts a large shadow.

Her beauty remains, but she has clearly become

aware of the fact that there is more to life

than earthly pleasure.

Now, in the stillness of night,

she reflects on past events, and on her own

transformation through the encounter

she has had with Jesus.

Bible reference: None

Comment: The skull in Mary's lap reminds

her that Death is inevitable for all creatures,

and will come to her as well.

It suggests that she should think about

the hereafter as well as the present.
George de la Tour excelled in the use of light

and shadow, and the meditative mood that

night brings to all creatures.There is another version of this scene painted

by Georges de la Tour (see image below). In this,

the sexual undertone is more explicit -

Mary's legs and shoulder are bared,

as if she has just finished servicing a client.

But the mood of introspection and regret

are the same.

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From www.bible-art.info

An excellent site for religous art images/art education,

particularly re: women in biblical art.

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