The artist brings a highly naturalistic style to this depiction of a mystical moment. The dim interior, illuminated only by a single candle flame, echoes the solemnity of Mary Magdalen’s expression. The candle dramatically highlights the figure’s gaze into the mirror as well as the backlit skull, which she touches lightly. The skull, mirror, and candle flame symbolize the transience of life and the Magdalen’s rejection of a life of luxury to follow Christ.