The Penitent Magdalene

17th century

Attributed to Domenico Falcini after Francesco Villamena after Francesco Vanni

Associated Names
Domenico Falcini

Artist, Italian, born c. 1570

Francesco Villamena

Artist After, Italian, 1566 - 1624

Francesco Vanni

Artist After, Sienese, 1563 - 1610

The image shows the upper half of a female figure seated in profile, facing left. She has long, wavy hair that flows past her shoulders and delicate facial features with pronounced eyebrows and a contemplative expression. She is draped in a loosely fitting garment with flowing sleeves, revealing her bare shoulder. She holds an open book or scroll in her right hand, resting on her lap, while her left hand is placed on her chest. Next to her, an angelic child with wings offers a small pot toward her shoulder. Beams of light radiate around her head, suggesting a halo. The background features a crucifix with a plaque marked 'INRI,' surrounded by foliage, a skull, and a tree branch intruding from the upper left corner. The image has a textured, etched quality capturing fine detail.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (cut to platemark): 18.5 x 14.2 cm (7 5/16 x 5 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1999.64.3


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Christopher Mendez, London); purchased 1999 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: DFF

Wikidata ID

Q75423112

You may be interested in

Loading Results