Penitent Magdalene 1890

Francesc Masriera made this Penitent Magdalene by applying oil paints onto canvas. The way the artist manipulated the oil paint is fundamental to the work's appearance. See how the paint has been blended to create soft, almost imperceptible transitions of tone. The flesh appears luminous, the fabric is rich in texture, and the background recedes into deep shadow. The oil paint medium allowed Masriera to portray the sitter with remarkable clarity and vividness, pushing the boundaries of this particular medium. The making of this image reflects traditional techniques of academic painting, requiring years of training to master. Masriera was working within a specific social context, where the public display of artistic skill and technical virtuosity, combined with a focus on historical or religious subjects, brought status and recognition. It's tempting to see this painting, with its overt display of painterly skill and carefully constructed subject matter, as a rejection of the more radical and socially engaged art practices that were emerging at the time. By appreciating both the artist's craft and the broader historical context, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.