Artwork
Maria Magdalena
Maria Magdalena is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Scorel. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
The medium of oil on canvas distinguishes it from some of his earlier works on wood panel, such as *The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem*.
Jan van Scorel's *Maria Magdalena*, dated to approximately 1529, is executed in oil on canvas. The work measures 67 cm by 76.5 cm. As a portrait within the Romanist style, the painting reflects the artist's synthesis of Northern European traditions with Italian Renaissance influences absorbed during his travels in Venice and Rome. The medium of oil on canvas distinguishes it from some of his earlier works on wood panel, such as *The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem*. The composition aligns with Scorel's development of portraiture that integrates the psychological depth and formal qualities characteristic of his time in Italy.
History & Provenance
Jan van Scorel painted 'Maria Magdalena' around 1529, during his residence in Haarlem where he had moved due to political unrest in Utrecht. The work is executed in oil on canvas and measures 67 by 76.5 cm. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. While specific details regarding the original commissioner or the early ownership chain of this particular painting are not provided in the available records, its creation coincides with the period when the artist lived with Agatha van Schoonhoven and operated a workshop that included Maarten van Heemskerck.
Jan van Scorel's painting *Maria Magdalena* (c. 1530) is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The work is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 67 × 76.5 cm. While the specific accession number is not provided in the available records, the museum's inventory categorizes the piece as a portrait from the early 16th century. The painting is listed among the artist's significant public holdings in the Netherlands. No specific exhibition history or temporary loan records for this particular work are detailed in the provided sources.
Context
Jan van Scorel is recognized as the leading Netherlandish Romanist and a pivotal figure in introducing Italian Renaissance aesthetics to the Northern Netherlands. His artistic development was shaped by direct engagement with major Italian masters; during his residence in Rome from 1522 to 1524, he studied the works of Raphael and Michelangelo, eventually succeeding Raphael as Keeper of the Belvedere under Pope Adrian VI. The painting *Maria Magdalena*, dated to circa 1530, exemplifies the mature synthesis of his travels, which also included significant stays in Venice where Giorgione influenced his style. Created shortly after Scorel settled permanently in Utrecht in 1530, the work reflects his unique position as a native of the northern provinces who established a large workshop modeled on Italian precedents. His career bridged the gap between Northern European traditions and Italian humanism, influencing a generation of artists including Maarten van Heemskerck and Anthonie Mor.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van Scorel was a Dutch painter, who played a leading role in introducing aspects of Italian Renaissance painting into Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting.
