The Magdalene c. 19th century

Jean-Jacques Henner made The Magdalene with oil on canvas, a common pairing at the time. But note how he used it: with that dramatic contrast between light and dark, we get a real sense of his technique. Henner layered dark glazes over lighter tones, building up shadows slowly and deliberately. This wasn’t just about depicting a biblical scene; it was about showing the artist's skill in manipulating the material. Oil paint, as a substance, allows for this kind of atmospheric depth. It invites the viewer to peer into the darkness, searching for the figure. Consider, too, the social context: paintings like this were luxury goods, expressions of wealth and taste. The labor involved – from grinding pigments to applying delicate brushstrokes – speaks to a whole system of artistic production. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making helps us appreciate the artistry in Henner's work, and how it reflects its time.