Saint Mary Magdalen Holding a Crucifix; (reverse) The Flagellation

Spinello Aretino's double-sided panel depicting Saint Mary Magdalen Holding a Crucifix on the front and The Flagellation on the reverse, now in the Metropolitan Museum, was likely designed as a processional standard or a devotional panel meant to be viewed from both sides. The Magdalene's embrace of the crucifix symbolized the penitent soul's devotion to Christ's sacrifice, while the Flagellation on the reverse provided a Passion meditation. This dual-sided format was particularly associated with confraternity use in late Trecento Italy.

Executed in tempera on panel with gold ground on both sides, the work demonstrates Spinello's firm, confident draftsmanship and his ability to create expressive compositions within constrained formats. The Magdalene's flowing hair and dramatic gesture contrast with the more restrained narrative treatment of the Flagellation scene.