Mary Magdalene by Frederick Sandys, painted in oil on panel circa 1859, presents a half-length figure of a young woman holding a small alabaster jar. The subject is shown in profile against a dark, patterned background, with her long, reddish-blonde hair falling loosely over her shoulders. She wears a richly decorated red and green robe, and her pale skin is rendered with smooth, meticulous brushwork.

The subdued, even lighting and the detailed textures of fabric and hair highlight the artist’s technical precision. The depiction of Mary Magdalene holding a jar is a traditional attribute associated with her in Christian iconography, referring to the ointment she brought to anoint Christ. In the context of mid-19th century British art, such subjects were popular among artists influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, who favored vivid color, careful observation, and medievalizing detail. The work dates to around 1859 and is representative of Sandys’ early career, but specific details of its commission, provenance, or current collection are not documented here.