Artwork
The Penitent Mary Magdalene
The Penitent Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Guido Reni. It dates from 1616 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As the main subject is identified as the Penitent Magdalene, the work falls within the religious genre and conveys themes of contrition and spiritual renewal.
The painting shows Mary Magdalene in a penitent attitude, emphasizing her repentance and devotion. As the main subject is identified as the Penitent Magdalene, the work falls within the religious genre and conveys themes of contrition and spiritual renewal. The depiction aligns with traditional iconography of the saint as a figure seeking forgiveness, underscoring the artwork’s devotional purpose.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, measuring 540 cm in height by 410 cm in width. It portrays Mary Magdalene in a penitent pose, reflecting Reni’s characteristic soft modeling and delicate chiaroscuro that emphasize the figure’s introspection. The composition balances a restrained palette with subtle gradations of light, creating a serene yet emotionally resonant formal quality typical of early‑Baroque religious art.
History & Provenance
The Penitent Mary Magdalene is an oil painting on canvas by Guido Reni, dated 1616. The work is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains located.
No information regarding the original commissioner, early patrons, or successive ownerships prior to the painting's acquisition by the Statens Museum for Kunst is documented in the available sources. Likewise, details on intermediate provenance, prior collections, or specific acquisition circumstances are not provided.
The painting measures 540 cm in height and 410 cm in width, and depicts the Penitent Magdalene as its main subject. It is classified as a religious work and is catalogued as an oil-on-canvas painting.
The Penitent Mary Magdalene is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The institution lists the work's inception date as January 1, 1616. Physical records indicate the oil on canvas painting measures 540.0 cm in height and 410.0 cm in width.
The provided sources do not contain specific inventory accession numbers or a history of exhibitions for this artwork.
Legacy
The Penitent Mary Magdalene by Guido Reni, painted in 1616, has been recognized as a seminal religious work that shaped later devotional imagery. Its portrayal of Mary Magdalene in a moment of contemplative repentance influenced Baroque interpretations of the saint and contributed to ongoing scholarly discussions of Reni’s impact on 17th‑century sacred art. The painting remains part of the collection at the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it is studied for its compositional techniques and spiritual resonance. Legacy continues to be examined in art history literature and museum displays, underscoring its enduring significance.
Overview
The Penitent Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by Guido Reni, created in 1616. It is a representation of the biblical figure Mary Magdalene and is currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst.
Artist & collection
Artist
Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter, although his works showed a classical manner, similar to Simon Vouet, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne.
