E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Mary Magdalene (St.).
Patron saint of penitents, being herself the model penitent of Gospel history.
1
In Christian art she is represented (1) as a patron saint, young and beautiful, with a profusion of hair, and holding a box of ointment; (2) as a penitent, in a sequestered place, reading before a cross or skull.
