Portrait of Margaret of Austria (1480-1530) as Mary Magdalene

Van Orley employs chiaroscuro to create depth, with meticulous attention to detail in the subject's attire and accessories. The style reflects Northern Renaissance characteristics, influenced by Italian Renaissance elements despite the artist never having visited Italy.

Created in 1520, the painting is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. Van Orley's multifaceted career included oil painting, tapestry design, and stained glass work, situating this piece within his broader artistic repertoire.

The painting's blend of secular and religious themes was characteristic of the Northern Renaissance's approach to portraiture. The serene landscape background and the subject's contemplative expression further emphasize this blend.

As a work by van Orley, it contributes to the understanding of Northern Renaissance art's evolution, particularly in its incorporation of Italian influences. The painting remains a significant example of the period's portraiture and thematic complexity.