The Penitent Magdalene

Attributed to Domenico Falcini after Francesco Villamena after Francesco Vanni

National Gallery of Art

The image shows the upper half of a female figure seated in profile, facing left. She has long, wavy hair that flows past her shoulders and delicate facial features with pronounced eyebrows and a contemplative expression. She is draped in a loosely fitting garment with flowing sleeves, revealing her bare shoulder. She holds an open book or scroll in her right hand, resting on her lap, while her left hand is placed on her chest. Next to her, an angelic child with wings offers a small pot toward her shoulder. Beams of light radiate around her head, suggesting a halo. The background features a crucifix with a plaque marked 'INRI,' surrounded by foliage, a skull, and a tree branch intruding from the upper left corner. The image has a textured, etched quality capturing fine detail.