Sancta Maria Magdalena (The Penitent Mary Magdalene)
Print on paper, likely a mezzotint or engraving from a reproductive series • Johann Jacob Haid (1704–1767) or a contemporary Dutch/German printmaker, after a composition likely by Sir Peter Lely or an artist of the Flemish-School.
Style & Movement
Baroque / Late Baroque (Reproductive Graphic Art)
Medium & Technique
Mezzotint or copper plate engraving; light and shadow achieved through burnishing or fine hatching to create rich tonal gradations typical of the 18th-century reproductive print industry.
Creation Period
Circa 1700–1750 (Late Baroque or Rococo era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (visible); Vertical Portrait Format
Subject Description
A classic iconography of the Penitent Mary Magdalene in a grotto or wilderness. She is depicted with long flowing hair, looking toward a divine light source. Her hands are clasped in prayer over an open Bible. A vanitas skull sits prominently on the rocky ledge, symbolizing the transience of life. The Latin inscription 'SANCTA MARIA MAGDALENA' and the French verse beneath reinforce the theme of repentance over worldly joys.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the print shows significant foxing and acidity issues but remains largely intact with no visible major tears.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
The lower margins contain signatures of the printmaker and publisher; inscriptions suggest a European origin, likely French or German market distribution. Residential ownership is indicated by the mid-20th-century matting.
Art Historical Significance
This piece exemplifies the 18th-century tradition of reproductive prints, which allowed famous paintings to be disseminated to a wider public. It specifically demonstrates the persistent popularity of the Magdalene as a subject for emotional and devotional meditation during the Counter-Reformation and subsequent periods.
Notable Features
Includes a bilingual inscription (Latin title and French verse), which was common for prints intended for the international European art market. Detailed botanical renderings in the foreground and the specific treatment of the halo are characteristic of the mid-18th-century style.
Condition Issues
Evident foxing (brown spotting) throughout the paper surface due to fungal growth or metal oxidation; significant yellowing/browning of the paper (acidification) likely caused by non-archival wood-pulp backing or matting; some slight wavy undulation in the paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification and cleaning by a paper conservator to reduce foxing. Replacement of the current mat and backing with acid-free museum-grade materials. Use of UV-protective glazing to prevent further light damage.