The Magdalene

Correggio painted The Magdalene around 1518, showing Mary Magdalene in a moment of quiet contemplation. She reclines in a wooded setting, her head resting on her hand as she reads a devotional text. The soft, diffused lighting creates a sense of intimate devotion.

Correggio's handling of light and flesh tones influenced generations of painters, from the Carracci to Baroque artists across Europe. His ability to render tender, sensuous figures within religious contexts became a hallmark of his work. The painting now resides at the National Gallery in London.