Details
SPANISH, 17TH CENTURY
A female saint, probably Mary Magdalene
polychrome and parcel-gilt poplar wood bust; on a giltwood socle and a modern wood and metal base
1012 in. (27 cm.) high; 1214 in. (31 cm.) high, overall
Provenance
A private collection, New York, USA.
Special notice
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Lot Essay

Mary Magdalen was one of the most controversial women in the history of Christianity. The interpretation of Magdalen has ranged from prostitute to apostle. During the 16th century some European artists presented Magdalen as a sensual, almost classical Venus figure, as shown in this sculpture. Other interpretations focused on her later life when she had renounced all material goods and lived as a hermit. Finally she has been represented as an apostle of Christ, either teaching or studying.

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