Mary Magdalene

About this work

Mary Magdalene is shown in a quiet moment, looking back at us with a sad face. She's dressed in simple clothes, and her eyes seem deep in thought. The way Moretto da Brescia painted her is notable for its simplicity and honesty, which was a bit unusual for paintings of saints at that time, as they often had many symbols and decorations. The painting is also interesting because it might have been part of a larger set of paintings, possibly meant to decorate a room. The way it's painted, with a focus on the subject's emotions, makes it feel personal and intimate. You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique of chiaroscuro.