“2. Scholars are split whether Martha’s sister Mary was the Magdalene; artists are also split, so I avoided painting-titles—though not the paintings themselves—claiming her as the Magdalene”
Yes, one of the many disagreements. However, Mary of Bethany in my gospel studies for the past 35 years seems distinct from Mary Magdalene. That’s my opinion until Jesus returns.
Seems to me if Martha’s and Lazarus’ sister was the Magdalene, it would have been mentioned.