Artwork
Young woman with lute and music book: Mary Magdalene
Young woman with lute and music book: Mary Magdalene is a paint painting by the Mannerist artist Jan Sanders van Hemessen. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The painting 'Young woman with lute and music book: Mary Magdalene' is a 1532 work by Jan Sanders van Hemessen, a Flemish artist known for blending Italian Renaissance styles with Flemish traditions.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young woman, traditionally identified as Mary Magdalene, sitting in a room with a lute and music book. She is dressed in a dark outfit with fur trim and a headband, and engages the viewer with her gaze.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by refined composition and attention to detail, reflecting the mannerist style with its elongated forms. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1532, the painting reflects van Hemessen's exposure to Italian art during his travels in the 1520s, as well as his later familiarity with the First School of Fontainebleau.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Sanders van Hemessen (c. 1500 – c. 1566) was a leading Flemish Renaissance painter, belonging to the group of Italianizing Flemish painters called the Romanists, who were influenced by Italian Renaissance painting.…
