Mary Magdalene (?)

Lucas Cranach the Elder, the greatest German artist of the 16th century after Albrecht Dürer, painted several small images of beguiling young women-often superficially justified by a moral association for the private enjoyment of his aristocratic male patrons.

Indeed, this attractive young woman in rich attire sends mixed signals. Her hair hangs loosely, so she is a not a married woman, whose hair would be discretely controlled. In a formal portrait, this would indicate that she is a virgin. However, she engages the viewer directly with an unabashed gaze and an expression suggesting familiarity. This would be inappropriate for an unmarried woman of a respectable family. Her gold jewelry and velvet dress is fashionable, but she wears no high-necked blouse under it. This provocative young woman is probably meant to represent Mary Magdalene, often said to have been a prostitute before she met Christ.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Henry Walters, Baltimore, between 1903 and 1909 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.