An exhibition at Frankfurt's Städel Museum explores how Mary Magdalene's image has shifted from biblical figure to penitent sinner and modern feminist icon.
Key facts
- •Mary Magdalene is described in the Gospels as the first witness to the Resurrection and the 'Apostle of the Apostles.'
- •Pope Gregory the Great's 600 AD sermon incorrectly linked her to the 'sinner' from the Gospel of Luke.
- •The Gospel of Mary, which is outside the biblical canon, depicts her as a close confidante of Jesus.
- •Pope Francis elevated her liturgical celebration to a Feast in 2016 to recognize her as an equal to male apostles.
- •The Städel Museum exhibition features over 100 depictions of the figure, including a 2025 work by Nieves Gonzalez.
Mary Magdalene remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the Bible, serving as a witness to the crucifixion and the first to discover the empty tomb. Over centuries, her image has been shaped by theological interpretations, artistic depictions, and historical legends. The Städel Museum in Frankfurt is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Mary Magdalene: Sin. Pray. Love.," which examines her multifaceted legacy through more than 100 works of art.
Historical Distortions and Church Recognition
Around 600 AD, Pope Gregory the Great merged Mary Magdalene with two other biblical women, including an unnamed sinner who washed Christ's feet. This conflation established a long-standing, though biblically unsupported, reputation of her as a repentant prostitute. It was not until the Second Vatican Council, held between 1962 and 1965, that the Catholic Church officially revoked this identification. In 2016, Pope Francis further elevated her status by upgrading her liturgical celebration to a Feast, placing her on equal footing with male apostles.
Artistic Interpretations Through the Ages
Artists have depicted Mary Magdalene in various roles, ranging from a penitent sinner in the works of Titian and El Greco to a witness of the Resurrection in Rembrandt's art. Modern interpretations have shifted significantly; the 2025 painting "La Sfida" by Nieves Gonzalez, featured in the Frankfurt exhibition, portrays her as a self-assured figure, deconstructing traditional symbols of her past. The exhibition runs from September 17, 2025, through January 17, 2027.
Timeline
- 600 ADPope Gregory the Great merged Mary Magdalene with other biblical figures, shaping her reputation as a sinner.
- 1962-1965The Second Vatican Council officially revoked the identification of Mary Magdalene with the anonymous sinner.
- 2016Pope Francis elevated her liturgical celebration to a Feast, aligning her status with male apostles.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle Politics.
