Mary Magdalen

Title: Mary Magdalen

Artist: Artemisia Gentileschi

Country: Italy

Date: 1613-20

Present location: Pitti Gallery, Florence

I chose this particular painting because it really has feeling within it. The title drew me in initially because when you think of Mary Magdalen, you think Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Many pieces of artwork have been produced since her time, many of which are her at the foot of the cross or with other apostles or even Jesus. Artemisia's portrayal, however, has Mary by herself, in a most natural state. She has on a a very lavish looking dress, hung off of her shoulder and the color is very plain. For this painting, the dress is focal point to me because it is against a darker background. It also appears to have a somewhat smooth texture, almost comfortable. Her facial expression and hand gesture do not appear to be comfortable though. She appears distressed, somewhat caressing or about to grip her chest in some sort of way, as if something is tugging at her heart strings, whether physically or emotionally. This painting seems to be Artemisia's way of retelling Mary Magdalene's story from her female view point. I think it is a creative way to depict Mary Magdalane, had she been around during the Renaissance period.