St. Mary Magdalene Penitent
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of George Campbell Cooper
Accession Number
1896-3-107
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**St. Mary Magdalene Penitent is a striking 1585 print by Hendrik Goltzius a leading Netherlandish artist (1558–1617) renowned for his mastery of engraving. Born in the southern Netherlands, Goltzi rose to prominence in Haarlem where he became a pivotal figure in Northern Mannerism. This work, now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection (bequest of George Campbell Cooper), captures the biblical saint in a moment of profound repentance, a popular theme in Counter-Reformation art that emphasized redemption and spiritual transformation. Goltzius's technique shines here: his innovativ...