Title of Art: St. Mary Magdalene, St. Nicholas of Bari, St. John the Baptist, and St. George. The Annunciation, St. Francis and St. Dominic, Angels and Cherubs (in the pinnacles)
Artist: Gentile Da Fabriano
Art Form: Painting
Date of Composition: 1425
Subjects: Mary Magdalene
Ritual Pose/Object: censer
Exhibit Institution: Le Gallerie degli Uffizi (The Uffizi)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0040
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 7, 2023
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Mary Magdalene is seen in the far left section of Gentile da Farriano’s polyptych that was commissioned by a member of the Quaratese family for their family chapel in the Church of San Niccolo Oltrarno in 1425. Originally the piece featured with five panels, a larger central panel featuring Madonna and Christ child, with two sets of two saints flanking either side. Today the center painting has been removed from the sides and is on display at the National Gallery in London. The other three saints represented are St. Nicholas of Bari, John the Baptist, and St. George.
Keeping the original design in mind, Mary Magdalene is seen facing toward her left, looking where Mary and Jesus were originally located in the design. Mary Magdalene is dressed in 15th century noblewoman attire, a dress covered with a long cloak or robe. Mary's blond hair is braided and covered with a translucent veil, and she has a gold nimbus behind her head indicating her saintly status. Mary holds before her a glass and metal censer, which is a vessel used for burning incense. She holds the censer toward the center of the altarpiece, towards Christ.