This wood-carved statue by Donatello depicts a penitent, prayerful, gaunt Mary Magdalene, covered with hair to her knees. The statue was likely created for and housed in the Florence Baptistery, from the late 15th century until 1966.

Differing from contemporary depictions of Mary Magdalene that show her as a vibrant young woman, Donatello’s sculpture shows an emaciated woman who lives as a desert hermit. The sculpture reflects a tradition that conflated Mary Magdalene, Jesus's disciple, with Mary of Egypt, who lived as a hermit in the mid-fourth century. Carved by the acclaimed fifteenth-century artist near the end of his life, Donatello's statue is made from wood and retains some of its original pigmentation and gilding. Mary's long hair covers her figure, and her hands are lifted in prayer. This depiction of Mary Magdalene invites us to reflect on repentance, devotion, and the transitory nature of human life. The figure is barefoot and emaciated. There is no temptation to objectify this Mary Magdalene; rather, she invites us to consider her example of total devotion to God.