The Penitent Magdalen by Georges de La Tour (Interpretation and Analysis)

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The Penitent Magdalen
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Among Baroque painters, French artist Georges de La Tour stands out as one of the most accomplished painters of his time. De La Tour’s work is exceptional, rich in shadow, light, and deep, jewel-toned colors. Like most Baroque artists, de La Tour was interested in experimenting with light, and his primary subject was religious scenes.

In particular, de La Tour was intrigued by the biblical character of Mary Magdalene, one of Christ’s followers. De La Tour painted Mary Magdalene many times in different attitudes and situations. The Penitent Magdalen, which I’m discussing today, portrays Mary Magdalene sitting in a contemplative mood. Her face is turned away from the viewer as she gazes into a mirror. A candle sits in front of the mirror while a skull sits on her lap. As the Metropolitan Museum of Art (which owns the painting) notes, these items represent vanity, spiritual enlightenment, and mortality respectively.

According to my research, The portrayal of Mary Magdalene has evolved significantly throughout the history of art. Medieval depictions of Magdalene tended to depict her as a haggard ascetic, engaged in sorrowful repentance. Starting in the Renaissance period, depictions of Mary Magdalene began to become softer, more beautiful, and even seductive. Although there are exceptions to every rule, this shift in art coincided with a general shift in perceptions of Magdalene. While the Medieval Church focused on her sinful past, the Church of the Baroque era painted Magdalene as a mature and thoughtful woman, quietly repentant and instilled with a sense of innate dignity. Less emphasis was placed on suffering and more energy was focused on the benefits afforded by repentance and moral rectitude.

De La Tour’s depiction of Mary Magdalene falls into this latter category. This version of the saint is beautiful, but her concealed face signifies her rejection of earthly pleasures and sin. She sits rapt in thought, looking inward to her psychological and spiritual life, totally divorced from the outside world. The message of the piece is simple: death (as symbolized by the skull) is coming, and, thus, repentance is vital. The painting encourages the viewer to examine their own soul and confess their sins. In that sense, it is a highly effective painting. Somber and dramatic, it draws the viewer’s eye and invites contemplation.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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