The Penance of Mary Magdalene
According to the legend, during her last thirty years in France, Mary Magdalene devoted herself to solitary penance for the sins of her past life. This legend is connected to the belief that she was the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany. Artwork depicting Mary in penance usually show her in a desert or rocky landscape, sometimes with a cave, and with a skull or a
crucifix.
Related: Ecstasy, Dwelling with Angels, Apotheosis Other Portraits of Mary, Called Magdalene
Mary, upper part of figure
Penitent Magdalene (1585-90):
Picture cut left and bottom
Penitent Magdalene, The:
Head
GUARDI, Gianantonio
Female St. contemplating a crucifix, A (C. 1745):
Lower right corner of picture
LA TOUR, Georges de
Magdalen of Night Light (1630-35):
Central part of picture
Light
Upper left part of picture
Upper right part of picture
Magdalene before mirror (C. 1640):
Hand and skull
Head of Mary
Left part of picture
Skull and mirror
Upper part of picture
Magdalene with the smoking flame (C. 1638-40):
Light
Penitent Magdalene, The (1638-43):
Light and mirror
LONGWY (Manufacturers)
St. Magdalene:
Rear view
SEGHERS, Gérard
Repentant Magdalene (C. 1630):
Crucifix
Head of Mary
Lower central part of picture
Lower left corner of picture
Upper left part of picture
Upper right part of picture
