Mary Magdalene is a ca.1535-1540 oil on canvas painting by Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo, now in the National Gallery, London, which acquired it in 1978.
It is generally considered the first of a series of four paintings of the subject, which was popular among private Venetian patrons.
Savoldo depicts Mary Magdalene in the Garden of Gethsemane peering out from behind shimmering folds of satin fabric, hesitantly looking out at the viewer. She is identified by her ointment jar on the left, containing the oil with which she anointed Christ's feet. She is standing by the tomb, preparing to anoint the Savior's body. Unbeknownst to her, Christ has risen, and she will soon meet him in the garden. Although Christ has not yet appeared, the strong light bathing the left half of the painting implies his illuminating presence. The shadow cast across Magdalene's face gives her an appearance that is both vulnerable and mysterious, while also acting as a metaphor for her approaching enlightenment. The rich, iridescent drapery perhaps alludes to her legendary former life as a prostitute.
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo, also known as Girolamo da Brescia (c. 1480-1485 - after 1548), was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance who was primarily active in Venice. He is known for his subtle use of color and chiaroscuro, and for the austere realism of his works.
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