Penitent St. Magdalen and her Sister Martha

In counter-reformatory religious literature, Mary Magdalene wrongly identified with Mary of Bethany, Martha’s sister, and the repentant prostitute – played an increasingly prominent role. Her conversion was seen as a symbol of divine mercy. Here, her casket filled with objects denoting vanity lies discarded at her feet; Rubens depicts her penitence by emphasizing her desperate gestures and expression. Martha, however, acts in a restrained and contemplative manner. Rubens‘soft and free handling helps to convey an emotional mood.