ABSTRACT
The focus of this present chapter is the transformation in the iconology of Mary Magdalene from that of early Christian witness of the Resurrection to a medieval model of Christian preaching. The chronological development of her visual imagery parallels her theological typologies and reflects changing societal attitudes toward women. This analysis employs the current methods of art historical “response theory” and the scriptural/theological analysis of “reception history” or “afterlife.” Typically, early Christian art and theology were not focused on (the) question(s) of the individual identities of saints, biblical figures, or historical persons but rather on a narrative episode or a miracle of Christ in which this individual played a role. In the case of Mary Magdalene’s metamorphosis from a supporting character in early Christian art and theology to that of a lead actor during the Middle Ages, one must consider the history of her iconography and incorporate into one’s analysis what can be learned from looking into the multivalent framework of contexts that enfold the history of her representation. This framework is formed from scriptural tradition, Christian devotionalism, pious legend, sacramental theology, and cultural tradition.
