The artwork, titled “St Mary Magdalen,” was created by the renowned artist Tintoretto between the years 1582 and 1587. Painted in the characteristic medium of oil on canvas, this piece is a striking example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. Measuring 425 by 209 centimeters, it is a profound religious painting housed at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice, Italy.
The artwork depicts a contemplative scene featuring St. Mary Magdalen, immersed in an evocative natural setting. She is shown sitting or reclining at the edge of a forest, holding an open book, symbolizing penance and reflection. The surrounding environment is dense with dark foliage, dominated by a large, gnarled tree in the foreground. The twilight sky, with its heavy, ominous clouds, casts a somber, introspective mood over the scene. The brushwork and use of chiaroscuro reflect Tintoretto’s masterful ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual narratives through dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.