What does the Penitent Magdalene mean?
The Penitent Magdalene is a wooden sculpture of Mary Magdalene by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello, created around 1453–1455. The sculpture was probably commissioned for the Baptistery of Florence.
Is the Penitent Magdalen based on Caravaggio's work?
Georges de La Tour based his own Penitent Magdalen (c. 1638–1643) on Caravaggio's work. Whatever may have inspired Caravaggio's Magdalene, his piece may have inspired Georges de La Tour to produce several versions of the subject.
What is the earliest version of La Tour's Penitent Magdalens?
Burlington Magazine 114 (August 1972), p. 520, calls it the earliest of La Tour's Penitent Magdalens, dating it between 1643 and 1645. André Chastel. "À l'Orangerie: Le mystérieux Georges de La Tour."
What is the meaning of the painting of Mary Magdalene?
The painting portrays a repentant Mary Magdalene, bowed over in penitent sorrow as she leaves behind her dissolute life, its trappings abandoned beside her. At the time of its completion, ca. 1594–1595, the painting was unconventional for its contemporary realism and departure from traditional Magdalene iconography.
Where was Donatello Mary Magdalene?
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, FlorenceDonatello, Mary Magdalene, c. 1455, wood, 188 cm (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence) Speakers: Dr.
What does the penitent Magdalene represent?
The Penitent Magdalene is a piece that seems intent on creating a visceral reaction in the viewer. The statue was carved after Donatello himself suffered a long bout of illness in Padua. It seems likely that Donatello's own reckoning with his mortality informed his piece portraying Mary.
What is the penitent Magdalene made out of?
Oil paintThe Penitent Magdalene / MediumOil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film. Wikipedia
Where is Mary Magdalene buried?
According to Eastern tradition, she accompanied St. John the Evangelist to Ephesus (near modern Selçuk, Turkey), where she died and was buried.
Why does Mary Magdalene hold a skull?
This may seem a very dark representation, but its purpose is to remember or to be aware of our mortality. As Magdalene is shown contemplating the skull, she reflects and makes us reflects on the fact that one day we will be dead, and it would be better if we are close to God.
Why is St Mary Magdalene shown with a skull?
But is this really the face of Mary Magdalene? The tradition around this relic states that the skull was discovered when Charles II, King of Naples, funded excavations in the southeastern region of France. He heard the legends about how Mary traveled to France after Jesus' execution and lived there until her death.
When was the Penitent Magdalene created?
1625–1640The Penitent Magdalene / Created
Why did Donatello use wood for Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was commissioned by the Florence Baptistry and completed between 1453 and 1455. Donatello used white poplar and the image is extraordinarily realistic. Donatello chose to represent Mary Magdalene as a penitent woman, gaunt and emaciated.
How tall is the Penitent Magdalene by Donatello?
188cmInnovations within this Sculpture What is striking about the Penitent Magdalene by Donatello is the height of the carving (188cm) and that some of the strands of hair are either individually or partially modelled.
What happened to Mary Magdalene after Jesus died?
After Jesus' death, the most controversy around Mary Magdalene's life would unfold. In all four Gospels, she is the first to witness Jesus after his resurrection. Believed to be the Jesus' favorite by the apostles, Mary is asked to reveal secret teachings given to her by Jesus while consoling the apostles.
Where is the Holy Grail now?
In their newly published book “Los Reyes del Grial” (“The Kings of the Grail”), medieval history lecturer Margarita Torres and art historian José Miguel Ortega del Rio claim the Holy Grail rests inside the Basilica of San Isidoro in the northern Spanish city of León.
How old was Mary Magdalene when Jesus died?
Britannica states that she “flourished” from 25 B.C. to A.D. 75. Assuming this is in reference to her lifespan, according to Britannica, Mary was approximately 54 to 59 years old when Jesus died.
Why did Donatello use wood for Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was commissioned by the Florence Baptistry and completed between 1453 and 1455. Donatello used white poplar and the image is extraordinarily realistic. Donatello chose to represent Mary Magdalene as a penitent woman, gaunt and emaciated.
How does Donatello's depiction of Mary Magdalene deviate from others?
How does Donatello's depiction of Mary Magdalene deviate from others? He shows her as emaciated and ragged.
How tall is the Penitent Magdalene by Donatello?
188cmInnovations within this Sculpture What is striking about the Penitent Magdalene by Donatello is the height of the carving (188cm) and that some of the strands of hair are either individually or partially modelled.
What medium is Donatello's Mary Magdalene?
SculptureStatuePenitent Magdalene/Forms
What is the penitent of Mary Magdalene?
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence. The Penitent Magdalene is a wooden sculpture of Mary Magdalene by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello, created around 1453–1455. The sculpture was probably commissioned for the Baptistery of Florence. The piece was received with astonishment for its unprecedented realism.
What is the Penitent Magdalene famous for?
The Magdalene Penitent is famous for the detailed and very realistic carvings on the statue. Medieval hagiography in the Western church had conflated the figure of Mary Magdalene, already conflated with Mary of Bethany and the unnamed sinner in the Anointing of Jesus, with that of Saint Mary of Egypt. She was a popular figure in the Eastern Churches, who had been a prostitute before spending thirty years repenting in the desert. Donatello's depiction is similar to, and very probably influenced by, Eastern Orthodox icons of Mary of Egypt, which show a similar emaciated figure. He thus ignored the Western legends by which Mary was daily fed by angels in the desert.
What is Donatello's depiction of Mary?
Donatello's depiction is similar to, and very probably influenced by, Eastern Orthodox icons of Mary of Egypt, which show a similar emaciated figure. He thus ignored the Western legends by which Mary was daily fed by angels in the desert.
When was the statue of Magdalene first erected?
History. Documentation about the work is scarce. The earliest mentioning of the Penitent Magdalene dates from 1500 and mentions that the statue is being placed back in the Baptistery in Florence against the southwest wall.
Who was Mary Magdalene conflated with?
Medieval hagiography in the Western church had conflated the figure of Mary Magdalene, already conflated with Mary of Bethany and the unnamed sinner in the Anointing of Jesus, with that of Saint Mary of Egypt.
Where was Donatello's work based?
The dating has been established indirectly, based on a 1455 copy from Neri di Bicci 's workshop now in the Museum of the Collegiate of Empoli . In 1500 the work was in the city's baptistery.
Who is the penitent Magdalene?
Penitent Magdalene, a wooden sculpture of Saint Mary Magdalene by Donatello is thought to have been inspired by the then Bishop of Florence, Sant' Antonio.
Why did Donatello create the penitent Magdalene?
In the early 15th century, when Donatello sculpted this figure, there was a push by the Roman Catholic Church to promote penitence amongst the faithful. This influence can be clearly seen by the posture of the Penitent Magdalene, her hands nearly joining, as if in prayer, her open mouth like she is begging for forgiveness.
Why did Donatello give Mary Magdalene her hair?
Previous depictions of Mary Magdalene’s long flowing hair were a sign of her beauty, but Donatello decided to give her hair a matted and unkempt look thus taking beauty from her and keeping her more in line with the churches change of opinion of her.
Did Brunelleschi carve a crucifix?
Brunelleschi did carve a crucifix from pear wood as well, but this was done later to Donatello’s, between 1410 and 1415. The use of pear wood was an uncommon wood to be used in Tuscany at the time and the fact that his crucifix was also not hollowed out does leave credence to the fact he may have been trying to better Donatello using the same techniques.
Genoa
The difficulties in elaborating the theme had led Canova to produce two very different preparatory works. The original version of 1793-1796 was praised at the Salon of 1808, the first of Canova's works to be a success there.
St Petersburg
Canova also produced another version between 1808 and 1809 for Eugène de Beauharnais, viceroy of Italy, who exhibited it in his palace in Munich.
Where is the penitent Magdalene?
It is now in the Sala di Apollo of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy.
When was the Penitent Magdalene painted?
Penitent Magdalene. (Titian, 1531) Not to be confused with Penitent Magdalene (Titian, 1565). The Penitent Magdalene is a painting of saint Mary Magdalene by Titian dating to around 1531, signed 'TITIANUS' on the ointment jar to the left. It is now in the Sala di Apollo of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy.
What was the subject of the Magdalen as a sinner and fallen woman?
Analysis. The subject of the Magdalen as a sinner and fallen woman returned to the path of virtue by Jesus was very popular in the 16th century, allowing artists to combine eroticism and religion without courting scandal.
Who gave the Magdalen to Eleonora Gonzaga?
However, it is universally believed that Vittoria gave the Magdalen away to Eleonora Gonzaga, as it was found in her son the Duke of Urbino's collection in 1631. Vittoria , a learned and devout woman, was greatly inspired by Titian's image of the Magdalen, even though the Magdalen is very sensuously portrayed in Titian's depiction.
Where did the Golden Legend spend her last years?
According to popular works such as the Golden Legend, she spent her last years naked and alone in a hermitage in the mountains of Provence, fed only by the singing angels who visited her daily. Thus her lack of clothing symbolises her abandonment of jewels, gold and worldly goods to her faith in Christ.
What is the penitent magdalene?
Penitent Magdalene. Penitent Magdalene or Penitent Magdalen refers to a post-biblical period in the life of Mary Magdalene, according to medieval legend, and a large number of artworks showing this subject, including: Penitent Magdalene (Donatello), 1453–1455 wooden statue by Donatello.
When was the repentant Magdalene painted?
The Repentant Magdalene (Cagnacci), c. 1660–1663 painting by Cagnacci. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Penitent Magdalene. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.
What is Mary Magdalene's painting about?from en.wikipedia.org
The painting portrays a repentant Mary Magdalene, bowed over in penitent sorrow as she leaves behind her dissolute life, its trappings abandoned beside her. At the time of its completion, ca. 1594–1595, the painting was unconventional for its contemporary realism and departure from traditional Magdalene iconography.
Why was Mary Magdalene called the apostle?from kellybagdanov.com
On the other side, Protestants, looking to down play the importance of the Virgin Mary, had, perhaps unintentionally, played up the story of Mary Magdalene. Because Mary was called the “apostle to the apostles,” Reformers felt she embodied their doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Her title, “apostle to the apostles,” was given to her because she was the first to see Christ after the Resurrection, and then carried the good news to the other disciples.
Why did De La Tour paint so many Mary Magdalenes?from kellybagdanov.com
In France, during the 1600’s Mary Magdalene was one of the most popular saints, and the fascination with her life appeared to be insatiable. Mary Magdalene’s early story of sexual promiscuity and worldly pursuits was fertile ground for the artistic imagination.
Why was Mary Magdalene put in a boat?from kellybagdanov.com
Legend has it, that Mary Magdalene, with other believers, during the persecution of the early Christians, was put into a rudderless boat and pushed out into the Mediterranean sea to die of exposure and starvation. Miraculously, the boats were guided to the shore of Provence in France, and this is where Mary lived out the rest of her life. Having been saved by Christ, both spiritually from her early sinful life and now physically, Mary set out to spread the gospel in France. This is how France was converted to Christianity, and why Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of Provence.
What is the theme of Mary Magdalene with the smoking flame?from joyofmuseums.com
“Magdalene with the Smoking Flame” by Georges de La Tour depicts Mary Magdalene and was inspired by several themes popular with artists during the 1600s, such as the cult of Magdalene , melancholy and repentance.
How many times is Mary Magdalene mentioned in the New Testament?from kellybagdanov.com
Mary Magdalene is mentioned, by name, 12 times in the New Testament. From these stories we know that she was healed by Jesus of 7 demons, and that she financially supported Christ’s ministry. We know that she traveled with Jesus and the disciples in the company of the Virgin Mary, and several other women.
What does the smoke in the Magdalene and the Smoking Flame represent?from kellybagdanov.com
There is smoke rising from the flame in two curling columns. Generally, flames represent the presence of God , and as we see the Magdalene in an attitude of contemplation we can assume that part of her thoughts are on God’s presence with her.
Where is the Penitent Magdalene painting?
Penitent Magdalene. (Artemisia Gentileschi) Penitent Magdalene is a painting by the Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It hangs in Seville Cathedral. It has probably been in the cathedral since the late 17th century. The painting's first home was the collection of Fernando Enriquez Afan de Ribera, from 1626 to 1637.
Where is the statue of Magdalene?
Penitent Magdalene is a painting by the Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi. It hangs in Seville Cathedral. It has probably been in the cathedral since the late 17th century. The painting's first home was the collection of Fernando Enriquez Afan de Ribera, from 1626 to 1637.
What is Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is one of the most universally well-known Biblical figures. Donatello produced a stunningly realistic interpretation of her character that differed from any other artist before him. It was common knowledge that Mary Magdalene had committed sin and lived a non-virtuous lifestyle.
Why was the statue of Magdalene carved?
The statue was carved after Donatello himself suffered a long bout of illness in Padua.
What is Mary Magdalene's purpose in this painting?
The purpose of these objects is to impress upon the viewer that Mary is reflecting on the fleeting emptiness of worldly possessions.
Why did Mary Magdalene weep at Christ's feet?
During medieval times, a tradition evolved that also identified Mary Magdalene with the unnamed “immoral” woman who fell at Christ’s feet in repentance for her promiscuity. She wept tears onto his feet, wiped them dry with her hair, and then anointed his feet with oil of myrrh from a vase.
What are Mary Magdalene's attributes?
It is from this story that Mary’s key attributes in art were taken, principally her long hair and jar of ointment. (In La Tour’s painting, the jar of ointment can be seen in the shadows just to the right of the mirror). This version of Mary Magdalene focuses most attentively on the act of silent and solitary meditation.
How many versions of Mary Magdalene are there?
La Tour painted at least four versions of Mary Magdalene, all of them similar in size and all representing the saint as a seated, full-length figure lit by a burning flame.
