The Magdalen 1883 - 1884

Elihu Vedder's "The Magdalen" (1883-1884) is a haunting depiction of Mary Magdalene, a figure from the New Testament, in a state of sorrow. The drawing, executed in graphite and white chalk, portrays Mary Magdalene, partially draped in a cloth, with her head bowed in grief. The artist's use of shadow and light creates a dramatic sense of emotion, emphasizing the solitude and despair of the subject. The text accompanying the image, a poem by Vedder himself, further underscores the theme of repentance and the weight of sin. This melancholic work exemplifies Vedder's penchant for allegorical themes and his mastery of draftsmanship.