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Portrait of Maria Maddalena of Austria as Saint Mary Magdalene, c. 1620 (oil on canvas)
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Portrait of Maria Maddalena of Austria as Saint Mary Magdalene, c. 1620 (oil on canvas)
BEN465655 Portrait of Maria Maddalena of Austria as Saint Mary Magdalene, c.1620 (oil on canvas) by Sustermans, Justus (1597-1681); Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy; (add.info.: Maria Maddalena of Austria (Maria Magdalena) (1589-1631) was Grand Duchess of Tuscany from her husbands accession in 1609; ); Photo eRaffaello Bencini; Flemish, out of copyright
Media ID 23250780
© Raffaello Bencini / Bridgeman Images
Desert Devout Dressed Grand Duchess Of Tuscany Iconography Memento Mori Penitent Pious Skull Tuscan Symbolic Symbols
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait, titled "Portrait of Maria Maddalena of Austria as Saint Mary Magdalene" transports us to the early 17th century in Florence, Italy. Painted by Justus Sustermans, a Flemish artist known for his exquisite attention to detail, this oil on canvas masterpiece now resides in the Palazzo Pitti. The subject of the painting is Maria Maddalena of Austria (Maria Magdalena), who held the esteemed title of Grand Duchess of Tuscany during her husband's reign. Dressed in regal attire and kneeling devoutly with a book in hand, she poses as Saint Mary Magdalene herself. The symbolism is rich; we see crosses and other religious symbols adorning her person. One cannot help but be drawn to her pious expression and full-length depiction against a backdrop reminiscent of a Tuscan desert. A skull rests at her feet, serving as a memento mori or reminder of mortality. This juxtaposition between royalty and penitence adds depth to the composition. Sustermans masterfully captures Maria Maddalena's austere beauty while paying homage to Italian iconography. The portrait exudes elegance and power while conveying an underlying sense of spirituality. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece by Raffaello Bencini, we are transported back in time, witnessing not only the grandeur associated with aristocracy but also glimpses into one woman's devotion and inner strength amidst worldly affairs.
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