The Magdalen

The Magdalen at the National Gallery from around 1517 shows Correggio's early treatment of the penitent saint. His Magdalene paintings are among his most influential works, establishing a type of sensuous spiritual beauty that would be widely imitated throughout the Baroque period Oil on canvas, increasingly preferred over panel in the sixteenth century, offered greater flexibility for large-scale compositions It is now held at The National Gallery in London, where it can be compared with other

The reclining figure is rendered with Correggio's characteristic soft modeling and warm light. The treatment of the Magdalene's flowing hair and luminous skin demonstrates his revolutionary approach to painting the human form.