Holy Mary Magdalene

The holy Mary Magdalene enjoyed great veneration in Zoutleeuw and had her own chapel within the place of worship. This sculpture is the only remaining sculptural witness of this ancient and vibrant devotion, making it significant for the collective memory. Among the sculptures depicting St. Magdalene as a wealthy worldly woman – rather than a penitent figure – that have been preserved in Flanders, this is perhaps the most impressive due to its lively posture and the virtuoso depiction of fabrics, drapery and clothing details. The sculpture still bears numerous traces of valuable ancient polychromy.