Altarpiece with Stories of Mary Magdalene

This ancona (a movable unit placed on the altar) originally had painted wings and spanned more than four metres when open. It shows six episodes from the life of Mary Magdalene. The ones below, which are taken from the New Testament, were extremely popular: from the right, the Noli Me Tangere, The Three Maries at the Sepulchre and The Feast at the House of Simon. Above, there are less common scenes, which were popular mainly in southern France, where Mary Magdalene was particularly venerated: the Penitence, the Last Communion, the Death and the Ascent into Heaven. The narrative is interpreted by the artist in very lively gestures and naturalistic details, and it is embellished with architectural elements and a sophisticated use of colour.