An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Penitent Magdelenec. 1650–65
Artist: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Spanish, 1618–1682
48 1/2 x 42 1/2 in. (123.2 x 108.0 cm)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Spain
17th century
The Bergmann Richards Memorial Fund in memory of Marguerite Sexton Richards
In a timeless moment, nestled deep within the rugged embrace of a sunlit cave, we find Saint Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her once-vibrant purple robes, now faded with the passage of time, are clutched tightly around her, a protective cocoon amidst her solitude. The air is thick with an aura of penitence, a quiet retreat from the world’s clamor.
As she gazes upward toward the radiant light filtering through the cave’s entrance, it casts a divine glow upon her serene face, illuminating the depth of her devotion and the weight of her reflections. The light is otherworldly, whispering secrets of grace and compassion that only the most faithful can discern.
Beside her, resting on the rugged stone, lie two powerful symbols: a skull, a stark reminder of mortality, a testament to the finite nature of life. It speaks of the truth that every soul must reckon with—the inevitability of death. In contrast, the cross stands proudly, a resounding statement of her unwavering faith and commitment to Christ’s teachings. Together, they tell a poignant story of life, love, and the shadows that linger at their edges.
At the base of the canvas, a curious marking catches the eye—etched in history about an era long past, the number 629 stands out boldly, accompanied by the elegant fleur-de-lis, emblematic of grace and nobility. This detail reveals the artwork’s past, linking it to the royal inventory of Queen Isabella Farnese of Spain, a testament to the enduring allure of faith, art, and history intertwined.
In this serene tableau, we are reminded of the quiet strength of Mary Magdalene, a spirit who found solace and enlightenment in the shadows of life, inviting us to ponder our own journeys through the light and the dark.
About the artist
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