Penitent Magdalene 1525

"Penitent Magdalene" (1525) by Quentin Matsys is a poignant portrayal of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. The painting, currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, depicts Magdalene in deep sorrow, tears streaming down her face as she wipes them away with a cloth. Her expression conveys remorse and a deep sense of penitence, reflecting the biblical narrative of her transformation from a sinner to a devoted disciple. Matsys' meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of Magdalene's emotional state and the delicate folds of her clothing, exemplifies the realism and emotional depth that characterized Northern Renaissance art.