The Penitent Magdalen
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Curationist Object DescriptionAlso known as Magdalen with Two Flames, The Penitent Magdalen, is one of several paintings of Mary Magdalen by Georges de La Tour. De La Tour depicted Mary in front of mirrors, lit by candlelight, and surrounded by worldly and spiritual objects. In this version, Mary casts her jewelry aside, symbolizing her rejection of earthly possessions. A skull rests in her lap as a memento mori, indicative of mortality. Mary does not appear in the mirror, representing her commitment to piety over the flesh.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Description
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All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:
Georges de La Tour, The Penitent Magdalen, circa 1640. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Georges De La Tour depicted Mary Magdalen in front of mirrors, lit by candlelight, and surrounded by worldly and spiritual objects. Public Domain.
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