Maria Magdalena 1678

Cornelis van Caukercken's "Maria Magdalena," an etching from 1678, depicts the biblical figure of Mary Magdalene in a contemplative state. She sits in a cave, holding a skull, symbolizing mortality, and gazing upward. Above her, a pair of angels with wings soar through the clouds, representing divine presence. This evocative scene, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's skill in rendering light and shadow, creating a dramatic and emotionally charged composition. The etching's inscription in Italian further enhances the artwork's devotional quality.