Artwork
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. It is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Mary Magdalene is a painting created by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes in 1899, executed in oil on an unspecified surface. It is a representative work of the Symbolist movement and is currently held by the Hungarian National Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Mary Magdalene sitting serenely on a rocky terrain surrounded by yellow flowers, draped in a white cloth. Her calm expression and posture convey a sense of tranquility, inviting contemplation.
Technique & Style
Puvis de Chavannes' use of color and composition emphasizes the subject's serenity. The contrast between the blue sky, rocky cliffside, and the figure's white drapery creates a harmonious visual balance, characteristic of the artist's Symbolist style.
History & Provenance
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes was a prominent French artist and co-founder of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Mary Magdalene, painted in 1899, is among his notable works, reflecting his contribution to the Symbolist movement.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (French pronunciation:; 14 December 1824 – 24 October 1898) was a French painter known for his mural painting, who came to be known as "the painter for France".
