Who painted Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto]?

Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto] was painted by Donato Creti in 1710.

Where can I see Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto]?

Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto]?

Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto] is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto]

Donato Creti , 1710

Penitent Magdalene with Angels in a Landscape [recto] is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Donato Creti. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1710, this drawing by Donato Creti portrays a penitent Mary Magdalene attended by angels within an open landscape. Executed with pen and brown ink, enhanced by a brown wash and faint graphite marks on laid paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s precise drawing technique.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Mary Magdalene in a moment of repentance, surrounded by celestial beings who guide her contemplation. The serene natural setting underscores the theme of spiritual renewal, linking the earthly realm with divine presence.

Technique & Style

Creti employs a disciplined line quality, with crisp modeling that conveys a cool, controlled atmosphere. The use of brown wash adds tonal depth, while subtle graphite traces suggest preparatory gestures, reflecting the academic rigor that foreshadows his later neoclassical leanings.

Context

Active in Bologna during the Rococo period, Creti’s work aligns with the city’s academic tradition, emphasizing formal composition over ornamental excess. The drawing remains a testament to his transition toward a more restrained, neoclassical aesthetic within the broader Bolognese artistic milieu.