Who painted Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes)?

Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes) was painted by Unknown in 1510.

Where can I see Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes)?

Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes) is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes)?

Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes) is associated with High Renaissance.

Artwork

Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes)

Unknown , 1510

Hl. Magdalena (Rückseite: Rest eines Strahlenkranzes) is an unspecified painting by the High Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work depicts a slender, upright figure set against a deep, shadowy background.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a slender, upright figure set against a deep, shadowy background. The individual is cloaked in a long, dark robe accented by a subtle pale stripe that runs along its front, and a simple white head covering frames a pale, serene face. Hands are clasped before the chest, and a faint halo of light surrounds the head, suggesting a sanctified presence.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is identified as Saint Magdalene, a biblical figure traditionally associated with penitence and contemplation. The restrained gesture of folded hands and the calm expression convey an interior devotion, while the delicate halo hints at her sanctity. The austere attire and muted palette reinforce themes of humility and spiritual introspection.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting the illuminated torso and halo with the surrounding darkness to model volume. The robe’s folds are rendered with crisp, almost sculptural lines, giving the fabric a carved‑wood appearance. A decorative leafy border frames the top and bottom of the panel, echoing the ornamental framing common in devotional paintings of the period.

Context

Such solitary saint portraits were typical of private devotional objects in the late medieval to early Renaissance era, intended for personal contemplation rather than public liturgical display. The emphasis on stark light against darkness reflects contemporary artistic experiments with realism and spiritual symbolism, aligning the work with broader trends in Northern European religious art.