Artwork
Mary Magdalene and Two Angels
Mary Magdalene and Two Angels is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Annibale Carracci. It dates from 1569 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Technique & Style
As a religious work, the composition formally incorporates a skull as a depicted element, anchoring the scene in traditional iconography.
Annibale Carracci executed Mary Magdalene and Two Angels using oil paint on a canvas support. The painting is relatively intimate in scale, measuring 40 cm in height by 31 cm in width. As a religious work, the composition formally incorporates a skull as a depicted element, anchoring the scene in traditional iconography.
The artwork is classified as a painting and reflects the stylistic and material conventions of late 16th-century religious art.
History & Provenance
Mary Magdalene and Two Angels was created by Annibale Carracci in 1569, executed in oil paint on canvas. The painting entered the Spanish royal collection, where it was owned successively by Philip V of Spain, Charles III of Spain, and Ferdinand VII of Spain. It is now held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
Mary Magdalene and Two Angels is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. The painting was historically owned by Spanish monarchs, having been successively held by Philip V of Spain, Charles III of Spain, and Ferdinand VII of Spain. The provided sources do not record an inventory or accession number, nor do they document any specific exhibition history for the work.
Overview
Mary Magdalene and Two Angels is a 1569 oil painting by Annibale Carracci, exemplifying early Baroque Italian style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Mary Magdalene in contemplation, accompanied by a skull symbolizing mortality and an open book representing spiritual reflection, with two angels offering comfort.
Context
This piece predates Carracci's relocation to Rome, where he would later establish a influential studio at the Palazzo Farnese, training numerous painters.
Legacy
As one of Carracci's early works, it showcases the stylistic foundations that would shape the next generation of Baroque artists through his teaching and practice.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Annibale Carracci ( kə-RAH-chee, UK also kə-RATCH-ee, Italian:; November 3, 1560 – July 15, 1609) was an Italian painter and instructor, active in Bologna and later in Rome.
