S. Maria Magdalena 1623 - 1660

Pieter de Bailliu’s S. Maria Magdalena is defined by its stark contrasts and linear precision. The engraving presents Mary Magdalene in a somber pose, haloed and holding a cross, her hand resting upon a skull. The composition balances the symbols of mortality and salvation, drawing the viewer into a contemplation of repentance and divine grace. De Bailliu’s technique employs hatching to create depth and texture, giving a tactile quality to the print. The lines vary in thickness to articulate form and shadow. Consider how the figure is placed within the space, not quite dominating it but certainly commanding our attention through her sorrowful expression and symbolic props. The skull, cross, and halo are not merely illustrative, but function as semiotic markers, signifiers within a visual language that speaks to themes of sin, redemption, and eternal life.