Reclining Mary Magdalene Reading in Wilderness

Object NamePainting, copy / reproduction

Artist / MakerAfter Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Italian, 1708 - 1787)

Datec. 1890s

MediumOil on canvas, framed

Dimensions18 3/4 × 30 × 2 3/8 in. (47.6 × 76.2 × 6 cm) Other: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift of Demaris Pease Estate. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number92.4.3

Status

On view

Collections

Paintings

Label TextThis painting as well as many other similar ones are based off of a painting from the mid-15th-century by the painter Rogier can ger Weyden. Rogier can ger Weyden was an early Netherlandish painter, his work consisted of religious triptychs (panel paintings) and altar pieces. During Weyden’s lifetime he was very successful and famous, his paintings were usually taken to Spain and Italy and sold there. Weyden also did work for Netherlandish nobility and foreign princes. The painting is similar to other Mary Magdaline paintings because it does include her with the book, in older paintings, she was sitting up in a more formal dress and reading the book. This painting shows a more sexualized view of Mary Madaline. Mary Magdalene’s personal image has changed drastically through the years, from a prostitute to a sibyl to someone that is said to have witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection The painting is probably similar to another Mary Magdalene painting that the artist had viewed, this is common among artist to create their own version of the work. Written by Kirsten Brauman, 2017 Farm House Museum Undergraduate Assistant

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