Mary Magdalen Repentant

Medium: Oil On Panel
Size: 127 x 127 cm (50 x 50 in)

According to legend, after Christ's resurrection Mary Magdelen traveled to the mountains of southern France, where she lived many years as a hermit. Here she is shown contemplating the cross with her symbols, the jar of ointment (with which she anointed Christ's feet) and a skull, close at hand.

Vouet spent fourteen years studying in Italy, mainly in Rome. In 1627 he was called back to Paris by King Louis XIII (1601-43), who made him his court painter, launching the artist on an extremely busy and prosperous career.