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Saint Mary Magdalene

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Saint Mary Magdalene is here depicted with eyes raised heavenward, a sign of her devotion and penance. The Gospels describe Mary of Magdala as one of Christ’s followers, a witness to his burial and resurrection. Mary Magdalene was later identified with another biblical figure, an unnamed woman understood to be a repentant prostitute – an identification which is almost certainly untrue. Guido Reni has included the saint’s typical attributes of a red cloak and long blonde hair. The nondescript background provides the painting with minimal narrative, suggesting perhaps that this was a work intended for quiet meditation. The image of Mary Magdalene in penance was one of Reni’s most frequently addressed subjects – the artist and his studio produced dozens of variants on the theme.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Saint Mary Magdalene

Date

about 1634-5

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 79.3 x W 68.5 cm

Accession number

NG177

Acquisition method

Bought, 1840

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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