Kneeling Magdalene

About this artwork

This lead-glazed earthenware figure of the Kneeling Magdalene, attributed to Barthélémy de Blénod and dated to the 19th century, represents a French ceramic tradition of religious sculpture. The piece depicts Mary Magdalene in a pose of penitent devotion, a popular subject in Christian art symbolizing repentance and spiritual transformation. Standing just under eight inches tall, this ceramic sculpture demonstrates the continued production of devotional objects in 19th-century France, even as in...

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative collection, *Kneeling Magdalene* a delicate lead-glazed earthenware attributed to French ceramist Barthélémy deénod, likely from the 19th. Standing just 7¾ inches tall, this petite sculpture captures Mary Magdalene in a posture of profound penitence—kneeling with hands clasped in devotion. As a beloved figure in Christian iconography, she embodies repentance and spiritual redemption, her image evoking the biblical story of transformation from sinner to saint. Crafted in the traditional French technique of lead-glazed earthenware, the piece bridges centuries-old pottery methods with 19th-century production. Even as industrialization reshaped crafts, artisans like de Blénod sustained the creation of such devotional objects, blending functionality with faith. These small-scale ceramics adorned homes, especially in rural France, where Catholic piety endured amid modern change—serving as both decorative accents and aids to personal prayer. This work highlights the resilience of sacred art in everyday life, reflecting a revival or continuation of regional ceramic traditions. A generous 1953 gift to the Met, it invites us to ponder how intimate objects like this fostered spiritual connection in an era of rapid transformation.