The Penitent Mary Magdalene
El Greco·1570
Historical Context
The Penitent Mary Magdalene (c. 1576–78) in the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, is an early Spanish work depicting the Magdalene in solitary penitential contemplation. The Magdalene was among El Greco's most frequently painted subjects, her combination of sinfulness, repentance, and ecstatic divine love making her the ideal Counter-Reformation saint. In this early version, the Venetian influence in the soft flesh tones and rich drapery is still apparent, while the rocky landscape setting anticipates the more dematerialized backgrounds of his mature works. The skull on which she meditates is a memento mori, reminding the viewer that earthly beauty — the Magdalene's great attribute — must ultimately yield to mortality.
Technical Analysis
The Magdalene's luminous flesh and flowing hair are rendered with El Greco's developing expressiveness, the upturned gaze and clasped hands creating a powerful image of spiritual longing.
