St.Mary Magdalene Penitent

Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
1825, Oil on canvas

This is the second version of one of the decisive works that established Hayez in Milan, and with which he was definitively recognized as the leader of the new Romantic movement. At a time when his fame was at its peak, with exhibitions in Brera, the more traditionalist critics insinuated that he was unable to measure up, to produce the life-size nudes considered to be the most demanding and thus the highest example of artistic achievement. Hayez responded with two versions of this splendid Penitent Magdalene. He succeeded admirably in varying the pose of the Canova sculpture which served as a model (and which in those very years was the object of true fanaticism for its sensuality and sentimentality), accentuating its carnal aspect with the choice of a more earthy beauty, with fuller forms, with which he wished, to some extent, to link back to the Venetian tradition of Titian. The Magdalene is in a peculiar pose, with her left foot boldly placed in the foreground, and she is set against a dark wooded background, gazing ecstatically heavenward while holding a cross of reeds; her abandoned robes and urn lie at her feet. The blue and white drapery further emphasises the tones of the woman's skin, while her long golden hair shines, falling to her shoulders.