Mary Magdalene [verso]
1524
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1524
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Mary Magdalene [verso] is a 1524 chalk by Biagio Pupini, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a robed woman holding a small jar and a book. Her hair is loose, and she stands against a rough, textured background with a few scattered rocks. The lines are soft but defined, with white highlights on her clothing and face. Notice how the artist used quick, sketchy strokes—almost like a draft—to suggest light and shadow. The loose, uneven lines give it a rough, unfinished feel, which was common in early studies. Look up Renaissance to see how artists like this one experimented with sketches before painting.
![Mary Magdalene [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/342e893fb59810dd/thumb.webp)
![Half-Length of Mary Magdalene [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/6214516eb7a1b850/thumb.webp)
