A young woman covered in hair all over her body is carried up to heaven by angels. At first glance, this unusual depiction shows the Ascension of Saint Mary Magdalene. According to a legend based on biblical texts, the former prostitute withdrew into the desert as a penitent. There, a kind of fur-like hair grew over her body for protection. After her death, Mary Magdalene was taken up into heaven by angels. The sculpture was once part of a Swabian altarpiece.
A young woman covered in hair all over her body is carried up to heaven by angels. At first glance, this unusual depiction shows the Ascension of Saint Mary Magdalene. According to a legend based on biblical texts, the former prostitute withdrew into the desert as a penitent. There, a kind of fur-like hair grew over her body for protection. After her death, Mary Magdalene was taken up into heaven by angels. The sculpture was once part of a Swabian altarpiece.