Penitent Magdelene, c. 1650–65
Bartolomé Esteban Murilloexpand_more
Oil on canvasexpand_more
The Bergmann Richards Memorial Fund in memory of Marguerite Sexton Richardsexpand_more 82.23
On View in Gallery 341expand_more
Tradition holds that Saint Mary Magdalene, a close follower of Jesus Christ, retreated to a cave in penitence during the final years of her life. Here, she clutches her purple robes and looks up at the bright divine light that falls upon her. Two attributes, or identifying symbols, of the saint are displayed on the rock next to her: the skull, a reminder of the inevitability of death, and the cross, a symbol of her personal devotion to Christ and his teachings.
The markings at the bottom of the canvas, the number 629 and the fleur-de-lis symbol, indicate that this painting was item number 629 in the royal inventory of Queen Isabella Farnese of Spain.
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Details
- Title
- Penitent Magdelene
- Artist Life
- 1618–1682
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 82.23
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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