Saint Mary Magdalen 1779

Angelo Albanesi's 1779 red chalk drawing, "Saint Mary Magdalen," depicts the biblical figure in a melancholic pose. The composition is framed by an oval, and Mary Magdalen is shown looking upwards in contemplation. Her long flowing hair and draped garment create a sense of dramatic movement, as if she is consumed by her thoughts. The drawing is a powerful depiction of the saint's spiritual journey.