• Author: Maestro della Maddalena
• Date: 1280 - 1285
• Collection: PAINTING
• Technique: Tempera and gold on wood panel
• Dimensions: 180x91 cm
• Inventory: Inv. 1890 n. 8466

The pointed panel depicts Saint Mary Magdalene veiled only by her very long hair, holding a scroll with an inscription inviting the faithful to follow her example as a redeemed sinner. Eight scenes from her life are arranged at the sides: starting with the first panel at the top right, there is the Washing of the feet, the Raising of Lazarus, the Noli me tangere, the Preaching in Marseilles, the Ecstasy of the Saint, Magdalene nourished by an angel, the Communion of the Saint by Bishop Maximinus, and the Saint’s funeral.

The painting was probably displayed on the tramezzo of a church, which divided the clergy from the laity, the sinners to whom Mary Magdalene addresses the words on the scroll.

The panel is the eponymous work of the Master of the Maddalena, one of the most emblematic figures of Florentine painting in the second half of the 13th century, able to transition from the Byzantine style, exemplified by Coppo di Marcovaldo, to more contemporary approaches inspired by his contemporary, Cimabue. The painter is renowned for his remarkable narrative ability and vivid expressiveness, which shine through especially in the depictions of the saint’s life.