Art History Minute: Mary Magdalene (Penitent Magdalene) by Guido Reni || Italian Renaissance
Welcome back to the Accessible Art History YouTube channel.
In this week's episode of Art History Minute, we are going to look at one of my favorite
depictions of Mary Magdalene, painted by Guido Reni and shows the saint in a sympathetic
and tragic light.
To learn more, keep on watching.
In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is described as one of Jesus' most devout disciples.
In fact, she was the first person to learn of his resurrection after the crucifixion.
Her name was later associated with an originally unnamed sex worker who was repentant of her
sins.
However, most biblical scholars agree that these were in fact two different women.
Despite this, depictions of the quote penitent Magdalene still permeate Western art history.
This version was painted by Italian artist Guido Reni around 1634-35.
Mary has her signature iconography of beautiful long blonde hair and a red cloak.
She is wrapping it around herself as she stares up to heaven.
A thin halo also lets the viewer know of her holy status.
Interestingly, Reni chose not to paint a background, indicating this work was likely made as a
private devotional piece.
Despite her confusing history, Mary Magdalene is one of the most important figures in the
Bible.
It's fascinating to see different depictions of her by different artists across history.