Penitent Magdalene (c.1597) by Caravaggio

Penitent Magdalene - Caravaggio - c.1597

Artwork Information

TitlePenitent Magdalene
ArtistCaravaggio
Datec.1597
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions122.5 x 98.5 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationGalleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome, Italy

About Penitent Magdalene

The artwork titled “Penitent Magdalene,” created by the esteemed artist Caravaggio around the year 1597, is an exceptional example of Baroque religious painting. Executed in oil on canvas, the dimensions of the masterpiece are 122.5 by 98.5 centimeters. This significant piece is housed in the Galleria Doria Pamphilj in Rome, Italy.

In “Penitent Magdalene,” Caravaggio portrays Mary Magdalene in a moment of deep contemplation and repentance. The painting captures her seated, adorned in a richly textured dress, with her head tilted downward, her hands gracefully folded in her lap, and her long hair cascading over her shoulders. The surrounding environment is stark, emphasizing the central figure through the use of dramatic chiaroscuro, a hallmark of the Baroque style. Items symbolizing her past life, such as a pearl necklace and a jar of ointment, lie on the floor, underscoring her transformation and penitence. The subdued lighting and the serene yet somber expression of Mary Magdalene evoke a profound sense of introspection and spiritual awakening. The artwork stands as a testament to Caravaggio’s mastery in conveying emotion and realism through his innovative use of light and shadow.

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