The Magdalene
c. 1884
Medium
crayon, gouache, gold paint, and graphite over silver gelatin developed-out print mounted to board
Dimensions
Overall: 20.3 x 25.4 cm (8 x 10 in.) overall: 35.7 x 37.6 cm (14 1/16 x 14 13/16 in.) overall: 54.6 x 57.2 cm (21 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi
Accession Number
1993.67.9
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Elihu Vedder’s *The Magdalene* (c. 1884) offers a contemplative portrayal of the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, rendered with quiet intensity. Created during the artist’s mature period, the work reflects the late nineteenth century’s fascination with spiritual and symbolic subjects, inviting viewers to consider themes of redemption and devotion. What makes this piece particularly intriguing is its unusual technique. Vedder worked over a silver gelatin photograph with layers of crayon, gouache, graphite, and gold paint, mounted on board. This hybrid approach merges the mechanical accuracy of ...
About the Artist
Elihu Vedder · 1836–1923
Elihu Vedder was born on February 26, 1836, in New York City to Dr. Elihu Vedder Sr., a dentist, and his cousin Elizabeth Vedder. As a young boy, his family relocated to Cuba for his father's ventures, an experience that sparked his artistic aspirations amid the Caribbean landscapes. He later divided his time between a boarding school and his maternal grandfather Alexander Vedder's home in Schenec...