The Magdalene c. 1884

Elihu Vedder's "The Magdalene," created around 1884, depicts Mary Magdalene in a somber, introspective pose. The figure, draped in a flowing garment, sits hunched over, her head bowed in sorrow. The backdrop, a shadowy forest, enhances the sense of solitude and contemplation, making the work a powerful portrayal of grief and repentance. The use of charcoal and sepia tones contributes to the melancholic mood. The image captures the biblical figure’s iconic association with sorrow and redemption.