Saint Mary Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Represented at the left is the prophet Isaiah (YSAIAS) holding a scroll inscribed: ECCE VIRGO—the first words of his prophecy, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14). At the right is Saint Mary Magdalene holding her attribute, the alabaster jar containing the ointment with which she anointed the body of Jesus. The inscription reads: M[ARIA SOROR] MARTH[HA]E (Mary, sister of Martha). Grisaille windows with figural glass in the central zones, known as band windows, were common in French glazing programs of the fourteenth century. Here, the grisaille panels are unrelated to the figures, and whether they were ever in such a window is unknown.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.