Mary Magdalen Penitent 1600 - 1700

David Höscheler rendered *Mary Magdalen Penitent* with red chalk on paper. Red chalk is interesting because it is a direct medium, made of iron oxide and clay. It crumbles easily, giving a soft, velvety quality especially suited to rendering skin tones. You can see this in the Magdalen’s face and arms. The artist has skillfully controlled the chalk, using hatching and cross-hatching to build up shadows and contours. The overall effect is one of depth and volume, despite the limited tonal range. The way the chalk particles sit on the surface of the paper gives a tactile quality to the work as well. The choice of material – humble chalk on paper – brings a sense of immediacy and humanity to the religious subject matter. It suggests a direct connection between the artist, his materials, and the viewer. Ultimately, understanding the properties of simple materials like chalk deepens our appreciation for the artistry involved.