Mary Magdalene

A young woman is seated in a mountainous landscape. She is richly attired, with a dark-green dress set with pearls. This is Mary Magdalene, a rich woman but a sinner, who changed her ways after hearing JesusJesus ChristJesus Christ is the central figure of the Christian religion. The name Christ comes from the Greek 'christos', meaning the anointed one. He was also called 'the son of God'. Christ's life and teachings are described in the New Testament. He was born some 2,000 years ago in Judea. His birth was accompanied by miracles. For instance, his mother was a virgin, called Mary, and his birthplace was a stable. Shepherds were told of his birth by angels and came to worship him as the new king. Jesus grew up as a practicing Jew. But at the age of about 30 he began to proclaim teachings that diverged from Jewish law. A group of disciples gathered around him and his activities brought him into conflict with the authorities. He was eventually condemned to death by crucifixion. According to the Bible, however, he rose from the dead and after his resurrection he was seen by a number of his disciples. Forty days later he departed from the world. But his followers continued to proclaim his teachings. This was the start of Christianity. preach. The tree beside her - with branches blossoming on a hollow, rotten trunk - symbolises prosperity after a blighted start. Jan van Scorel painted this portrait around 1530, after a long study trip to Italy. He brought a new manner of painting back to Holland. This can clearly be seen in the landscape and the way in which he portrays Mary Magdalene. Scorel turned the saint into a modern woman, graceful and serious.