Artwork
The Mourning Mary Magdalene
The Mourning Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Colijn de Coter. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest.
About this work
Overview
The Mourning Mary Magdalene is an oil painting created circa 1500 by Colijn de Coter, an early Netherlandish artist based in Brussels and Antwerp. It is now part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Mary Magdalene in a contemplative, religious context. Her attire—a red dress with gold accents, black cloak, and white head covering—and clasped hands positioned in front of her face convey a moment of solemn reflection or prayer.
Technique & Style
De Coter utilized oil paint to achieve depth and emotional resonance. The intricate textures and vibrant colors, particularly in the subject's clothing, exemplify the detailed craftsmanship characteristic of Northern Renaissance art.
History & Provenance
Created around 1500, the work is typical of de Coter's output, which mainly consisted of altarpieces. Its current location is the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, though the full provenance details are not specified here.
Context
This painting reflects the religious themes prevalent in Northern Renaissance art. De Coter's style and the subject's depiction align with the period's emphasis on detailed, emotionally charged religious scenes.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct descendants of this work are not detailed here, it contributes to the broader legacy of early Netherlandish painting, offering insight into 15th-century religious art practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Colijn de Coter (c. 1440–1445 – c. 1522–1532) was an early Netherlandish painter who produced mainly altarpieces. He worked primarily in Brussels and Antwerp. His name was sometimes given as Colijn van Brusele (Colijn…
