Magdalene, Statue depicts the penitent Mary Magdalene from her hagiography in which after the death of Christ, Mary Magdalene went to a cave where she dedicated her life to penance. As time went on, her clothes disintegrated but her hair grew to clothe her. Here, Mary Magdalene appears much older, emaciated, and covered only by her hair. In her hand she holds an alabaster jar in which holds the oil she used to anoint Jesus. The image is very similar to a sculpture by Donatello in the Opera del Duomo in Florence. Both images vary from the standard iconography at the time in which Mary Magdalene remained young and in good health during her time in penitence. Settignano was one of Donatello's most talented students, this sculpture may be in remembrance of his teacher. Unfortunately, Settignano died before finishing this work and the completion fell to Benedetto da Maiano., 1464

Item — Box: 302

Identifier: spc-mss0088-s46-i0345

Magdalene, Statue depicts the penitent Mary Magdalene from her hagiography in which after the death of Christ, Mary Magdalene went to a cave where she dedicated her life to penance. As time went on, her clothes disintegrated but her hair grew to clothe her. Here, Mary Magdalene appears much older, emaciated, and covered only by her hair. In her hand she holds an alabaster jar in which holds the oil she used to anoint Jesus. The image is very similar to a sculpture by Donatello in the Opera del Duomo in Florence. Both images vary from the standard iconography at the time in which Mary Magdalene remained young and in good health during her time in penitence. Settignano was one of Donatello's most talented students, this sculpture may be in remembrance of his teacher. Unfortunately, Settignano died before finishing this work and the completion fell to Benedetto da Maiano.

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Scope and Contents

Vanderbilt photo identifier: SC.MSS.088.SCUL.0323; Public Notes:

Dates

Creation: 1464

Creator

Desiderio da Settignano (alternatively: Desiderio di Bartolommeo di Francesco dello Ferro) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.

Biographical / Historical

Subjects: Sculptures; Religious Figures; Biblical Figures; Saint Mary Magdalene; Mary Magdalene; Penitent Mary Magdalene; Apostles and Disciples; Hagiography; Technique: woodworking; Work type: sculpture