Saint Mary Magdalene. Oil on Copper. Flemish School, 17th Century

Antique painting of Saint Mary Magdalene, oil on copper, Flemish School, 17th Century.

This striking and beautiful representation of Saint Mary Magdalene, executed in oil on a copper plate by an artist of the seventeenth-century Flemish School, is a true jewel of Baroque sacred art. The scene shows Mary in a penitential attitude, wrapped only in a reddish mantle that leaves part of her body exposed, evoking the legend according to which she withdrew to the solitude of the desert to devote her life to meditation and penance. This iconography, full of symbolism, conveys a strong emotional charge. The serene and contemplative expression of the saint, combined with the long hair falling over her shoulders, reinforces the idea of introspection and recollection.

Saint Mary Magdalene has been one of the most represented figures in the history of Christian art. Her spiritual and symbolic significance stems both from her closeness to Jesus Christ and from her personal transformation, from repentant sinner to one of the Messiah’s most fervent followers. According to the Gospels, she witnessed the crucifixion and was the first to see the risen Christ, a detail that reinforced her theological importance over the centuries.

Around her are traditional symbolic elements, a skull on an open book, emblems of vanitas and divine knowledge, and a jar of ointments, a clear reference to the biblical passage where Mary Magdalene anoints the feet of Christ with precious oils. In the background, in the mountainous landscape, the figure of the crucified Jesus appears, subtly integrated into the scene and full of spiritual depth. The whole composition breathes balance, restrained drama, and notable technical virtuosity, evident in the modeling of the skin, the precision of the face, and the folds of the mantle.

In Western art, from the twelfth century onwards, her iconography as a penitent hermit was consolidated, inspired by apocryphal texts and medieval legends. Especially during the Baroque period, it became common to represent her alone, in an attitude of recollection, surrounded by symbols such as the skull, the book, and the jar of ointments. This iconography appealed both to the power of repentance and to mystical contemplation.

The copper support, typical of Flemish works of this period, favors a singular brilliance and excellent preservation of the pigment, allowing the colors to remain vibrant even after centuries. The choice of copper as a support was not accidental. Its smooth surface allowed for meticulous detail, ideal for the artists of Northern Europe, renowned for their precision and technical mastery. These works were also highly valued for their durability and characteristic brilliance, often forming part of private religious collections or ecclesiastical commissions.

On the reverse of the plate, a sketched portrait of a gentleman can be seen, probably a preliminary work reused by the painter himself. This curiosity adds documentary and historical value to the piece, reflecting the common practice among Baroque artists of reusing materials.

The representation of Mary Magdalene had special diffusion between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when she became a symbol both of penance and mystical love, a figure of connection between the human and the divine. Her image was not only an object of veneration but also a powerful tool of religious communication, capable of moving and inspiring the faithful.

The painting is framed in a magnificent carved wooden frame gilded with gold leaf, with classical ornamentation, further enhancing its solemn and devotional character. The painting is in good overall condition. An exceptional opportunity to acquire a work full of history, devotion, and pictorial mastery. This painting would be perfect to be reintroduced into the Church, for use in a parish, or to form part of a high-level private collection of sacred art.

Do not miss the opportunity to incorporate this unique and deeply inspiring piece into your heritage.

Dimensions: 21 x 31.5 cm (8.27 x 12.4 in)

Framed: 31 x 41.5 cm (12.2 x 16.34 in)