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. This image showcases the full statue within a niche in an alcove with columns and two decorative putti figures on either side of her and another above her. Below her rests an inscription.
- Contini-Volterra Photographic Archive | Sculpture (SCUL) | 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. This image showcases the full statue within a niche in an alcove with columns and two decorative putti figures on either side of her and another above her. Below her rests an inscription., 1464
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