De boetvaardige Maria Magdalena before 1600

"De boetvaardige Maria Magdalena" (The Penitent Mary Magdalene) is an etching by Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo, created before 1600. This artwork depicts Mary Magdalene kneeling in prayer, her face turned upwards towards the divine light emanating from the sky above. The cross, with Jesus on it, can be seen in the top right corner, reminding viewers of the sinfulness of the world and the need for repentance. The skull and loose hair of Mary Magdalene symbolize her former life of sin and her newfound devotion. This piece is a powerful example of Baroque religious art, highlighting the emotions of the subject and the dramatic use of light and shadow. The etching is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.