Saint Mary Magdalen

A brilliant orange cloak turns repentance into a scene that is emotionally direct and visually luxurious.

What to notice

Move from the illuminated face to the skull, book, and jar below; the objects anchor spiritual emotion in tangible things.

Discover

Vouet returned to France after years in Rome and adapted Italian dramatic lighting to a brighter French palette. The monumental single figure brings the viewer close to Mary Magdalen's private act of contemplation.