Painting Reviews: Penitent Magdalene And Eight Stories Of Her Life

Maestro Della Maddalena 1280 - 1285 

Tempera And Gold On Wood 

Florence, Gallerie Dell'Accademia

Description

At the centre there is the Magdalene, she is completely covered by her hair after a long retirement to espiate her sins. 

Her right hand outstretched  echoes the Franciscan icons and confirms their inspiration. In her left hand there is an unrolled scroll containing a long inscription that invites the faithful to atone for sins following the example of the saint.

The stories painted are the following:

Mary Magdalene anoints the feet of Christ

Noli me tangere

Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by the angels

Last communion of Mary Magdalene

Resurrection of Lazarus

Sermon of the Magdalene

Mary Magdalene in the desert fed by an angel

Funeral of the Magdalene