Artwork
Repentant Mary Magdalene
Repentant Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea Vaccaro. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Andrea Vaccaro's 'Repentant Mary Magdalene' is a 1650 oil painting exemplifying the Italian Baroque style. Created in Naples, it showcases the artist's skill in rendering emotionally charged scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Mary Magdalene in contemplation, her gaze directed upwards. The presence of a skull and open book on a nearby table symbolizes her penitence and spiritual devotion, a theme common in Counter-Reformation art.
Technique & Style
Vaccaro's use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, highlights the figure's emotional state. The subject is illuminated from above, creating a sense of depth and volume, while the dark surroundings emphasize her introspection.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Vaccaro (baptised on 8 May 1604 – 18 January 1670) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period.
