Who painted The Repentant Magdalene?

The Repentant Magdalene was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see The Repentant Magdalene?

The Repentant Magdalene is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

The Repentant Magdalene

The Repentant 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 Repentant Magdalene, attributed to the artist identified as 37334_person, dates to around 1750 and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The image presents an interior scene with two seated women, one prominently dressed in a luminous, long garment and a dark green bodice, the other in somber attire with her face partially concealed by a hood.

Subject & Meaning

The composition suggests a narrative of penitence, echoing the biblical figure of Mary Magdalene. The central figure’s clasped hands and modest posture convey contemplation, while the secondary figure’s subdued presence reinforces a mood of quiet reflection, hinting at themes of redemption and inner transformation.

Technique & Style

The work employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting the bright, almost metallic sheen of the main figure’s dress with the deep shadows that envelop the background and the secondary sitter. The heavy red curtain behind them adds a rich, dark tonal field, enhancing the three‑dimensional modeling of the figures.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to 37334_person remains based on stylistic analysis rather than documented signatures, and it has been catalogued as part of the museum’s collection of 18th‑century genre images.