Why did Donatello sculpture Mary Magdalene?
It was common knowledge that Mary Magdalene had committed sin and lived a non-virtuous lifestyle. In Donatello’s sculpture she appears penitent for her sins with an expression that pleads forgiveness.
What can you say about Donatello’s version of Mary Magdalene?
But there is much more to say about this sculpture as an artwork of the Renaissance. Donatello’s Penitent Mary Magdalene offers a powerful insight into psychological reality. We see a human, expressive and dynamic Mary Magdalene. She is not a saint surrounded by angels and ascending to heaven after death.
What happened to Donatello’s Mary Magdalene sculpture in 1966?
When the statue of Mary Magdalene was damaged in the 1966 flood at Florence, restoration work revealed the original painted surface, including realistic flesh tones and golden highlights throughout the saint’s hair.
What is Donatello’s statue of Mary Magdalene made of?
wood
Donatello, Mary Magdalene, c. 1455, wood, 188 cm (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Florence) Speakers: Dr.
Where can you find Donatello’s penitent Mary Magdalene?
It can be found in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, where it was moved from the Florence Baptistery after the flood of 1966. Donatello, Penitent Mary Magdalene, c. 1455, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Florence, Italy. Photo by George M. Groutas, Wikimedia Commons.
When did Donatello carve Mary Magdalene?
It was carved from white poplar wood between 1453-1455 and records indicate Donatello was commissioned by the Baptistery of Florence. Mary Magdalene is one of the most universally well-known Biblical figures. Donatello produced a stunningly realistic interpretation of her character that differed from any other artist before him.
Why is Donatello’s Mary Magdalene so haggard?
It was common knowledge that Mary Magdalene had committed sin and lived a non-virtuous lifestyle. In Donatello’s sculpture she appears penitent for her sins with an expression that pleads forgiveness. Donatello’s Mary is also shockingly haggard.
How did Donatello’s death affect his interpretation of Mary?
It seems likely that Donatello’s own reckoning with his mortality informed his piece portraying Mary. Donatello’s interpretation of Mary is a staggering achievement that encapsulates the best of Renaissance naturalism.