Saint Mary Magdalene
Giampietrino, Saint Mary Magdalene, ca. 1521, tempera on wood, Gift of The Samuel H. Kress Foundation, public domain, 61.38
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Saint Mary Magdalene
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1521
- Period
Late Renaissance (mid-late 16th century)
- Medium
tempera on wood
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
26 1/8 in x 20 1/2 in
- Collection Area
European Art
- Category
Paintings
- Object Type
painting
- Culture
Italian
- Credit Line
Gift of The Samuel H. Kress Foundation
- Accession Number
61.38
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
Giampietrino was a pupil and follower of Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance master who spent much of his career in Milan, and who exerted a major influence on the art of the area. This painting seems to be loosely based on examples of Leonardo's drawings of the Magdalene. The facial type is typically 'Leonardoesque,' as is the play of light and shadow over the features.
Mary Magdalene is traditionally identified with the unnamed woman who anointed Jesus's feet at the supper at the house of Simon (Luke 7:37–38). Hence, she is generally depicted with a jar of ointment.