Penitent Mary Magdalene

Cerezo painted several versions of the "Penitent Mary Magdalene". Besides the Salzburg picture, there are versions in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (inv. no. SK-C-1347) and in private ownership. Here, in three-quarter view before a crucifix, the penitent Magdalene entreats God to forgive her sins. Her right hand gestures towards an open book symbolising her faith in God. The skull stands for the transience of life. Her conversion to asceticism and her abandonment of earthly things are represented by the garments slipping down to reveal her breast – though this was frowned upon by those of a particularly pious persuasion. The transformation of sinner to saint is emphasised by the background: from deep black behind Magdalene to breaking clouds behind the crucifix. The painting was attributed to Claudio Coello in the Vienna collection of Prince Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz-Rietberg, and later in the Czernin collection.

Ducke Astrid: Mateo Cerezo the Younger, Penitent Mary Magdalene, in: Ducke Astrid, Habersatter Thomas (Hrsg./Edi.): von | from 0 auf | to 100. Residenzgalerie Salzburg 1923-2023. Salzburg 2023, S./p. 122-123