The Magdalene

c. 1884

Elihu Vedder

Associated Names
Elihu Vedder

Artist, American, 1836 - 1923

The image depicts a person seated on a dark surface in a curled position with their knees drawn up to their chest and head bowed down, resting on their knees. The person's facial features are obscured, and their long hair falls over their face and back. The person's body is in muted tones blending with the surroundings. They appear nude and covered by a stylized fabric that merges with the environment. Small objects resembling cups or containers are near the person. The background shows a natural outdoor scene with bare trees, rolling hills, and a sky with streaks of color suggesting dawn or dusk.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    crayon, gouache, gold paint, and graphite over silver gelatin developed-out print mounted to board

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 20.3 x 25.4 cm (8 x 10 in.)
    overall: 35.7 x 37.6 cm (14 1/16 x 14 13/16 in.)
    overall: 54.6 x 57.2 cm (21 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1993.67.9

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi) New York, NY; gift to NGA, 1993.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1988

  • Soria, Regina, Visions of Italy, Borghi & Co., New York, 1988: 40.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: COPYRIGHT 1839 E. VEDDER

Wikidata ID

Q75124523

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