Artwork

The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene

The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene, by Unknown, 1750
The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene, by Unknown, 1750

The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene is a painting depicting a religious figure, created around 1750 by a later identified artist. It is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a seated figure, believed to be Saint Mary Magdalene, enveloped in a dark cloak, with a subdued light source highlighting their face and hands. The figure holds a small object, suggesting a moment of contemplation or penitence.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, a technique characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, to draw attention to the figure's face and hands. This creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the subject's emotional state.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known