The artwork entitled “Saint Mary Magdalen,” by the esteemed artist Piero della Francesca, was created in the year 1460. Executed in the medium of fresco on a wall, this piece is a quintessential representation of the Early Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 190 x 105 cm, and it falls within the genre of religious painting.
The artwork portrays Saint Mary Magdalen as a solemn, beatific figure, standing within a niche adorned with classical architectural elements. She is depicted enveloped in richly colored robes of red and green, which are rendered with meticulous attention to folds and texture. The saint holds a small, ornate container, traditionally interpreted as a jar of ointment, symbolizing her role as the bearer of the precious oils used to anoint Jesus. A soft halo encircles her head, signifying her sanctity. The backdrop features a harmonious blend of muted hues, complementing the figure’s vibrant attire. Dominated by planes and symmetry, the fresco exemplifies the balance and clarity characteristic of Piero della Francesca’s artistic style and the broader Early Renaissance aesthetics.
