MARY

MARY & THE WOMEN SHE INSPIRED, an exhibition organised during London Art Week, seeks to shed light on the intertwined stories of the Marys from the Bible. The most common name among women living in Roman Judaea, there are at least six women named Mary that appear in biblical narratives: Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Mary of Clopas, Mary Salome, and Mary, the mother of James the Lesser. The Marys - stand as pivotal figures in biblical narratives. Yet, their individual stories are frequently overshadowed by misconceptions and oversimplifications. The little attention paid to their distinctive identities often leads to confused iconographies and speaks to the way that women’s history has been marginalised in the past.

As historical figures whose stories have been intertwined and sometimes conflated, the Marys invite us to explore the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, the complexities of identity and representation, and the enduring power of the images associated with these enigmatic figures. The exhibition comprises twenty-two objects, including a sixth-century Coptic textile of the Virgin and Child, a spectacular high Gothic sculpture of Mary Magdalene covered by her own hair, and a late medieval painting of the assumption of Mary Magdalene. Through the exhibition, we hope to highlight the unique role that these women played in shaping the way that we understand medieval art and culture.