Magdalen in the Desert c. 1800

"Magdalen in the Desert" is an etching by Johann Joseph Freidhoff created around 1800. It depicts Mary Magdalene in the desert, a popular subject in art. She kneels in a cave, her head bowed in prayer, a cross and a skull by her side. The dramatic chiaroscuro and detailed rendering of the rocks and foliage evoke a sense of solitude and spirituality. This print, now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mary Magdalene's story and Freidhoff's skillful etching technique.