Mary Magdalene with a Skull, by Gustave Dore
Mary Magdalene is usually portrayed in one of the various gospel scenes that have been associated with her — for example anointing Jesus, washing Jesus’ feet, or discovering the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene is also frequently painted with a skull. This isn’t referenced in any biblical text and the symbol is probably supposed to represent either her association with Jesus’ crucifixion (at Golgotha, the “place of the skull”) or her understanding of the nature of death.