The Magdalen in Penance
1585
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1585
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Magdalen in Penance is a 1585 by Hendrik Goltzius, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting depicts a woman in a flowing robe, sitting on a rocky outcropping. She has long, curly hair and is holding a skull in her right hand. Her left hand is holding an open book. The woman is surrounded by various objects, including a small, ornate box and a plant with large leaves. The background of the painting is a cloudy sky with a few trees visible in the distance. The woman's expression is one of contemplation, and her pose suggests a sense of introspection. The skull and book in her hands may symbolize mortality and knowledge, respectively. The overall mood of the painting is somber and reflective. To learn more about the artistic style of this painting, explore the Renaissance movement.
