The Elevation of Saint Mary Magdalene with Five Angels - Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet

A delicate drypoint engraving from the late fifteenth century depicting the legend of Saint Mary Magdalene being lifted by angels.

This drypoint engraving depicts the legend of Saint Mary Magdalene, who, according to medieval tradition, spent thirty years in penance in the wilderness. The composition captures the moment of her daily elevation, where she is lifted into the heavens by five angels to hear the celestial music of the spheres. The Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet, also known as the Master of the Housebook, demonstrates a distinct approach to line work here. The drypoint technique allows for soft, velvety burr, which creates subtle tonal transitions in the drapery and the saint's flowing hair.

The figure of the Magdalene is central, her body partially obscured by her long, cascading hair, a traditional iconographic marker of her ascetic life. The angels surrounding her are rendered with a sense of movement, their wings and garments swirling to suggest flight. The lower portion of the print remains relatively sparse, grounding the scene in a rocky, barren landscape that contrasts with the ethereal activity above.

As an artist active in the Upper Rhine region during the late fifteenth century, the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet is recognised for a personal, almost sketch-like quality in his prints. This work avoids the rigid formality often found in contemporary engravings, opting instead for a fluid, expressive style. The anatomy of the figures and the arrangement of the drapery reflect the stylistic tendencies of the period, yet the artist maintains a unique sensitivity to light and texture. This print offers a clear view into the devotional practices and artistic sensibilities of the late medieval period in Germany. It remains a primary example of the technical experimentation occurring in printmaking before the widespread adoption of more standardised methods.