0022. The Penitent Magdalen

CornTown on Feb. 11, 2010

By Corrado Giaquinto. (1703-1765)
Circa. 1750
Rococo

After the death of Jesus, Mary Magdalen would often visit a cave where angels would sing to her. Even here, she is reminded of Jesus as she watches an angel gesturing to a crown of thorns. Below her is a skull representing her own coming death, as Magdalen is believed to have died soon afterwords.
Though Giaquinto usually painted in the Rococo style, this painting seems to have more traits to Mannerism as the figures are in very stiff, strenuous positions. At the same time, objects and other figures encircle the main figures as was common in Mannerism layout.