1650
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Penitent Magdalen is a 1650 by Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting depicts a woman, likely Mary Magdalene, sitting on a rocky outcropping. She is dressed in a flowing robe and has a contemplative expression on her face. The background of the painting is dark and moody, with hints of a landscape visible in the distance. The woman's pose and expression suggest a sense of introspection and penance. Her eyes are cast downward, and her hands are clasped together in prayer. The overall mood of the painting is one of somberness and quiet reflection. This painting is an example of the Baroque style, characterized by dramatic lighting and intense emotions. To learn more about this style, look up the Baroque movement.
Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi (1606 – 28 November 1680) was an Italian painter, draughtsman, printmaker and architect. He was an accomplished fresco painter of classical landscapes which were popular with leading Roman families.
See the richer artist page
