Artwork
Marie Magdalene
Marie Magdalene is an oil painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The oil painting portrays a solitary woman shown in profile, her dark hair framing a calm expression as she looks leftward.
About this work
Overview
The oil painting portrays a solitary woman shown in profile, her dark hair framing a calm expression as she looks leftward. She is dressed in a white garment accented by a dark shawl draped over her left shoulder, and she holds an elaborately decorated small vase in her right hand. The figure is set against a deep, shadowy background that heightens the contrast between light and dark.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents a contemplative female figure, her serene visage and inward gaze suggesting introspection or spiritual reflection. The inclusion of the ornate vase may allude to themes of purity, devotion, or personal ritual, while the modest attire and subdued posture reinforce a sense of quiet reverence.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between illuminated areas—particularly the white dress and vase—and the surrounding darkness to model form and create depth. This manipulation of light and shadow gives the composition a three‑dimensional quality and focuses attention on the figure’s profile and the delicate object she holds.
History & Provenance
The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a medium favored for its capacity to render subtle tonal variations and rich coloration. No specific dates, artist name, or ownership record are provided, limiting the ability to trace its exhibition history or prior collections.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
