Who painted The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene?

The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1506.

Where can I see The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene?

The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene?

The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene

Lucas Cranach the Elder , 1506

The Ecstasy of Saint Mary Magdalene is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1506 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1506 by Lucas Cranach the Elder, this woodcut presents a densely populated composition centered on Saint Mary Magdalene.

Created in 1506 by Lucas Cranach the Elder, this woodcut presents a densely populated composition centered on Saint Mary Magdalene. The print shows the saint in a state of spiritual exaltation, surrounded by numerous winged angels whose rounded faces and flowing garments frame her outstretched arms. Below, a detailed townscape with spires, a river, and rocky hills extends across the lower register.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure represents Mary Magdalene experiencing an intense moment of divine rapture, a theme common in late medieval devotion. The surrounding angels emphasize the heavenly nature of her vision, while the earthly town below suggests a bridge between the sacred experience and everyday life, inviting viewers to contemplate the possibility of spiritual transcendence within the familiar world.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on carved lines that produce sharp, repetitive contours throughout the scene. Cranach’s handling of the medium allows for intricate detailing: the clouds appear as brush‑stroke‑like textures, the angels’ robes display fine hatching, and the architectural elements are rendered with precise linearity. The overall effect combines meticulous ornamentation with the graphic clarity characteristic of early 16th‑century German printmaking.

History & Provenance

Cranach, serving as court painter to the Electors of Saxony, produced this work during a period when he was integrating religious subjects into his broader output of portraits and Reformation imagery. The print reflects his evolving approach to devotional content, aligning with contemporary theological currents while maintaining the courtly aesthetic that defined his career.