Russian Federation
This study contributes to the exploration of the religious essence of art through an analysis of sculptures and paintings dedicated to the visualization of the Christian saint Mary Magdalene. The author identifies aspects of the saint’s manifestation in religious texts and defines the meaning of the conceptual apparatus “Mary Magdalene.” This paper examines canonical and non-canonical religious texts to understand the multidimensional essence of Mary Magdalene. The author explores the meaning of Mary Magdalene as a visual concept through the research of works of art created by Paolo Veronese, Rogier van der Weyden, Annibale Carracci, Giotto di Bondone, Alexander Ivanov, Titian Vecellio, and Donatello, all of which embody various aspects of Mary Magdalene’s essence. A comparative analysis of Titian’s painting The Penitent Mary Magdalene and Donatello’s sculpture Mary Magdalene allows the author to prove that a work of fine art is a religious and artistic text that contributes to understanding of multifaceted spiritual concepts.
religious art, spiritual concept, visual concept, Donatello, Titian, Mary Magdalene
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