A Reading Magdalen
Adriaen Isenbrandt (Antwerp c.1500 - Bruges before 1551)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1510 - circa 1551
Materials
Oil on panel and gilt
Measurements
216 x 165 mm (8 1/2 x 6 1/2 in)
Place of origin
Flanders (Belgium from 1830)
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246482
Caption
The figure of Mary Madalen in art is conventionally identified by the ivory jar of ointment with which she anointed the body of Christ. Here it appears on the table in front of her. Isenbrandt painted several versions of this composition which indicates the considerable appeal of her image in Northern Europe in the early sixteenth century. In this instance she is presented as the serene embodiment of penitence and solemn meditation; modestly dressed, withdrawn in a bedchamber, and absorbed in Holy Scripture.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, A Reading Magdalen by Adriaen Isenbrandt (Antwerp c.1500 - Bruges before 1551), early sixteenth century. Half length picture of the Magdalen, seated at a table on which is a jar of ointment, turned to the left, reading a book; she wears a white headdress and pink and green shot surcoat over a black dress with orange sleeves.
Provenance
Fritz von Gans, Frankfurt, 1904; with Bachstitz, The Hague, 1922; Mortimer L. Schiff sale, Christie's, 24 June 1938, lot 71; bt. Agnew and sold to Mrs. Greville 27.8.1938; The bequest of Margaret (Anderson) McEwan, The Hon. Mrs Ronald - later Dame Margaret - Henry Fulke Greville, DBE (1863-1942) from probate records linked with the donation of the property to the National Trust in 1943. This item found on the record for Polesden Lacey pictures, drawings etc., stored in the cellar, page 174.
Credit line
Polesden Lacey, The McEwan Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
two seals on reverse, on bearing the initials FG
Makers and roles
Adriaen Isenbrandt (Antwerp c.1500 - Bruges before 1551), artist