Tilman Riemenschneider
Würzburg (?), ca 1490/1492
Limewood
187,0 cm
Inv.-Nr. MA 4094
Acquired in 1901
Gallery 16
Legend has it that St Mary Magdalene lived in the desert as a penitent for years, clad only in her long hair until her entire body became hirsute. She was raised in ecstasy into Heaven several times a day by angels. In the late 15th century she was often represented 'unclothed' as here. Not until the 18th century were objections raised, leading to the removal of the figure from the altar in 1756. The relief of 'Mary Magdalene washing Jesus' feet in the house of Simon' in the Bollert Collection came from the wings of the same high altar of the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Münnerstadt, Lower Franconia.