Artwork
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It dates from 1625 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy is a painting created by Artemisia Gentileschi around 1625. It is an oil on canvas work currently held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Mary Magdalene in a state of intense emotional release, characterized by her closed eyes, leaning posture, and clasped hands. Her loose, flowing clothing adds to the sense of abandon and fervor.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the early Baroque style, with its emphasis on dramatic realism and emotional intensity. Gentileschi's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, contributes to the painting's heightened sense of drama.
History & Provenance
Artemisia Gentileschi, a pioneering female artist, created this painting during a period when women faced significant obstacles in the art world. She achieved international recognition and became the first woman to join Florence's Accademia di Arte del Disegno.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Artemisia Lomi Gentileschi (US: JEN-til-ESK-ee, -teel-; Italian: ; 8 July 1593 – after January 1654) was an Italian Baroque painter.
