Mary Magdalene (Artemisia Gentileschi)  Mary Magdalene is a 1616-1618 painting by the Italian baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It hangs in the Pitti Palace in Florence. The figure is portrayed in a gown of yellow silk, pushing away a mirror (a symbol of vanity) inscribed with the words "Optimam partem elegit" (“you have chosen the best part”).