Mary Magdalene in the Wilderness
1591
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1591
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Mary Magdalene in the Wilderness is a 1591 ink by Annibale Carracci, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a lone figure sitting in a wooded area. The person has long hair and a beard, wearing simple robes. They look down at their hands, which are resting on their knees, while a staff leans against a tree beside them. The background is filled with trees and bushes, giving a quiet, secluded feel. The artist used shading and lines to create depth and texture, especially in the figure’s hair and clothing. This style was common in etchings of the time. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this one made prints.