Staande Maria Magdalena

About this artwork

height 276 mm x width 122 mm

Art Historical Context

**Staande Maria Magdalena** by Garofalo (Benvenuto Tisi,. 1491–1559) captures the penitent saint Mary Magdalene in a standing pose, a recurring figure in Renaissance religious art symbolizing repentance and devotion. Garofalo, a Ferrarese painter influenced by Raphael and the High Renaissance, often explored such devotional themes in his works, blending graceful figures with emotional depth. This intimate drawing on paper, measuring just 276 mm high by 122 mm wide, close contemplation, evoking the personal piety of the era. Executed on paper—a favored medium for preparatory studies in the 16th century—this slender, vertical composition highlights Garofalo's skill in figure rendering, likely using techniques like chalk, ink, or wash common to his time. Its modest scale suggests it may have served as a modello for larger paintings or altarpieces, reflecting the workshop practices of Italian Renaissance artists who valued such sketches for refining compositions. In the context of Ferrara's vibrant artistic scene, where Garofalo thrived alongside contemporaries like Dosso Dossi, this piece underscores the cultural reverence for Mary Magdalene as a model of spiritual transformation. Visitors will appreciate its delicate preservation of a master's hand, offering a window into the creative process behind grand devotional masterpieces.