The Penitent Magdalen Or Vanitas

Medium: Oil On Canvas
Size: 50 x 39 cm (19.7 x 15.4 in)

Dated on stylistic grounds by both Nicola Spinosa (who will publish this painting as a fully autograph work in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné due to be published late 2001) as well as Craig Felton to the years 1609-1611, our Magdalen is an intense and immediate figure. Her tear-filled eyes, red, inflamed lids and emotive expression immediately engage the viewer, while the image is given added intensity by filling almost the entire picture space. Despite the richness of her robe and the elaborate jewels with which her hair is adorned, these worldly symbols are now meaningless for her as she is confronted with her own mortality, symbolized by the superbly executed skull that she holds with her left hand. Ribera must have executed several works during his Parma period, while he studied the older masters and sought to learn from them and formulate his own personal style - few of these works have as yet been identified. It seems probable that the artist's use of a panel support was in direct emulation of Parmigianino and of Correggio while the dramatic chiaroscuro, bold handling, and intense emotion together mark the work of a prodigy, demonstrating why the youthful Ribera received such an important commission as the altarpiece of San Prospero in Parma, a major artistic centre, so soon after his arrival there.