According to Church (but not biblical) tradition, Mary Magdalene was a sinful woman, who upon meeting Christ repented her former ways. She was present at the Crucifixion and later went to anoint Christ's dead body (in accordance with Jewish burial ritual), only to discover that he was resurrected. As in this painting, the Magdalene is often depicted as a great beauty with long golden hair. She is shown here transferring the ointment from a maiolica pharmacy jar to a smaller vessel.  
Probably a follower of Andrea Solario, the artist has represented the Magdalene in a style influenced by the works of Leonardo da Vinci, particularly in the subtle "sfumato" technique that invisibly blends light and shade and make contours appear soft.
<bdi><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Andrea_Solari" class="extiw" title="w:en:Andrea Solari"><span title="Italian painter (1460-1524)">Andrea Solari</span></a>
</bdi>
1524
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