Wooden sculpture: a standing woman with long interwoven braids, holding a pot. Front view.

Saint Mary Magdalene, Cl. 1851 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

3D

Wooden sculpture: a standing woman with long interwoven braids, holding a pot. Three-quarter view.

Saint Mary Magdalene, Cl. 1851 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Wooden sculpture: a standing woman with long interwoven braids, holding a pot. Three-quarter rear view.

Saint Mary Magdalene, Cl. 1851 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Detail of a wooden sculpture: a woman with long interwoven braids, holding a pot. Three-quarter view.

Saint Mary Magdalene, Cl. 1851 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Saint Mary Magdalene

Description

Not on display

15th century

Late Middle Ages

This figure of Mary Magdalene, which was originally covered in vivid colour, was stripped and dyed in the 19th century and has recently undergone a process of restorative cleaning. Only faint remnants of this polychromy allow the red and blue hues of her gown to be reconstructed.

Its execution is a testament to the sculptor's skill, a master in depicting clothing and hairstyles inspired by the fashions of his time. The elegant and intricate intertwining of the braids makes this statue one of the most famous representations of the repentant sinner elevated to the status of saint.
 

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century