18th-Century Austrian School, The Penitent Magdalene

18th-Century Austrian School, The Penitent MagdaleneThis 18th century oil painting depicts the penitent Mary Magdalene before a cave dwelling and mountainous scenery. Shes kneeling, as if in prayer, and looks directly at the viewer. It's an allegory of repentance. The story of Mary Magdalene stems from the Gospels but its been embellished over the centuries. Celebrated as a Saint, castigated as a sinner, condemned as a prostitute the mystery of her true character continues to intrigue. The notion of

It’s interesting to consider why she produced this little drawing and what inspired her

Some scuffing around the edges due to its previous frame

and underpinned by an interesting composition

Belly undertook numerous exhausting missions to the expansive plains and claustrophobic heat of 19th-century North Africa where travel was debilitating

the Malmö konstmuseum

The painting is signed in the lower left and held within a later frame

During the 1820s

While a second figure reaches up and frantically tries to clamber aboard the doomed vessel

820 achieved for ‘Artiste Devant Son Chevalet’ at Christie’s

We imported the piece from Germany but it’s more representative of Italian flower painting from the period

It creates a beguiling effect whereby you can only see her shoulders

Size including frame 23” x 30¼” / 58cm x 77cm