The artwork, titled “Mary Magdalene’s Box of Very Precious Ointment,” was created by James Tissot between 1886 and 1894. Rendered in gouache, this piece falls under the religious painting genre and is part of the Symbolism art movement. It is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, New York, US.
The artwork depicts a biblical scene where Mary Magdalene, positioned humbly on the floor, is anointing Jesus’ feet with precious ointment from a box. The setting appears to be within an enclosed space, possibly a courtyard adorned with arches and greenery. Jesus, dressed in white robes, is seated on a patterned couch with His feet extended toward Mary Magdalene. Surrounding them are various onlookers, their expressions ranging from curiosity to indignation, capturing the emotions and social dynamics of the scene. The vivid colors and detailed figures highlight Tissot’s commitment to realism and his ability to convey profound narratives through his meticulous brushwork and symbolic undertones.
