Sainte Marie l’Egyptienne 1861

This 1861 oil painting by Jean-Jacques Henner depicts Sainte Marie l'Egyptienne, a 5th-century Egyptian Christian saint known for her life of penance in the desert. The painting features a close-up portrait of Marie, with a serene expression as she gazes down at a cross held in her hand. The muted colors and soft brushstrokes create a sense of contemplation and peace, reflecting the spiritual nature of the subject. Henner, a renowned French artist, specialized in painting idealized female figures, often with religious or mythological themes. His work is characterized by a graceful realism and a sensitivity to the human form.