Getty Museum

Penitent Magdalene

Creator

Italian Artist · 1666–1751

Originally from Parma, where Correggio was a primary influence, Michele Rocca traveled to Rome in 1682 and trained under a follower of Pietro da Cortona. Five years later he was back in Parma, but by 1695 he had returned to Rome. He joined Rome's Accademia di San Luca in 1719 and gained an official position there in 1727. Rocca became renowned for precious, small-scale cabinet pictures of mytholog

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Date: about 1698
Medium: Oil on canvas
Culture: Italian
Department: Paintings
Institution: Getty Museum

While contemplating the crucifix, Mary Magdalene clasps her hands in prayer and devoutly kneels with her eyes raised towards the heavens. The agitated drapery of her gown and the white light streaming into her tear-filled eyes convey a deeply emotional and spiritual scene. A vision of angels appears in the sky, and putti sitting beside her hold objects often associated with the penitent Magdalene. The putto in front, as teary-eyed as the saint, raises a whip in remembrance of Christ's flagellation. In his right hand he holds a skull, reminding the viewer of the inevitable transience of life on earth. The putto in the background holds the vase of ointment that Mary Magdalene used to anoint Christ's feet. The open book in his other hand represents her contemplative nature, connoting her ultimate regret for her earlier sins. The luminous colors and painterly handling in this small cabinet picture contribute to the pervading mood of spiritual ecstasy.

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