Artwork
Mary Magdalen
Mary Magdalen is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Master of the Mansi Magdalen. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Mary Magdalen is a 16th-century oil painting attributed to the Master of the Mansi Magdalen, dated to 1530. The work is now part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Mary Magdalene, identifiable through her attire and attributes. She wears a long brown robe with a green sash and a black hat adorned with gold embroidery, along with a cross around her neck. The mirror in her right hand and a cup in her left suggest themes of contemplation and spirituality.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro to create a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the subject's face and hands. The composition integrates the figure with a deep, rocky landscape background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1530, the painting's early history is not detailed here, but it is currently housed at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin as part of its permanent collection.
Context
The depiction of Mary Magdalene in a contemplative state, surrounded by symbolic objects, reflects the religious and devotional themes common in early 16th-century European art.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic legacies of this work are not highlighted in the provided information, it remains a representative example of religious portraiture from its time, contributing to the broader tradition of depicting biblical figures in Renaissance art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
