Ointment Jar
Alabaster or glass vessel—primary Western attribute.
New Testament
Mary Magdalene
Magdalene
Look for a small ointment jar, often with a lid. It links Magdalene’s portraits to the tradition of the women bringing spices to the tomb.
The penitent MagdaleneTitian · c. 1561–1565
01 / 04
- Feast
- July 22
- Era
- 1st century · Galilee, Jerusalem
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Iconographic Attributes
Iconographic field guide
Identifying features
The ointment jar links to anointing traditions; long unbound hair marks the “penitent Magdalene” type popular in Counter-Reformation art. Skull in wilderness scenes signals contemplation. Eastern icons may show her as myrrh-bearer at the tomb without extravagant hair.
- Clothing
- long hair · rich robes
- Colours
- red · gold
- Symbols
- alabaster jar · skull
Skull
Meditation on repentance (memento mori)
Flowing Hair
Flowing locks in penitent scenes; not universal in Eastern tradition.
Visual Gallery
Works / 04The penitent MagdaleneTitian · c. 1561–1565
Portrait of a lady as Mary Magdalene1530
Mary Magdalene in ecstasyArtemisia Gentileschi · 1625
The penitent MagdaleneAfter El Greco
Biography
Life & legacy
John 20John describes Mary of Magdala meeting the risen Jesus and taking the news to the disciples. Later Western tradition associated her with Mary of Bethany and the unnamed woman who anointed Jesus. The ointment jar and penitent imagery reflect this history of interpretation.
Luke 8:2; Mark 15–16; John 20; apostolicae sedis on clarified identity (2016).
Representation in Sacred Art
Narrative scenes to recognize
Noli me tangere
penitent in wilderness
at the tomb
Visual Recognition Guide
1.Ointment jar or alabaster box
Anointing at Bethany tradition
2.Long flowing hair
Penitent Magdalene type
3.Skull
Meditation on repentance (memento mori)
4.Red or gold robe
Rich garments of the penitent saint
Patronage and Devotion
penitent sinnersperfumershairdressers
Distinguishing Similar Figures
Often confused with Virgin Mary: Sometimes confused with other Marys in tradition
Notes from the Archive
- First to announce the Resurrection to the apostles
- Eastern and Western iconography differ on hair and jar emphasis
Practice
