Titian “Saint Mary Magdalene” at Ambrosiana Gallery Pinacoteca in Milan Italy

Titian (1488 — 25 August 1576) “Saint Mary Magdalene”

Painting - Oil on Canvas (96 x 74 cm) 1540

Titian, Saint Mary Magdalene, at Ambrosiana Gallery Pinacoteca in Milan Italy

Titian, Saint Mary Magdalene The “Saint Mary Magdalene of Titian”, like his “Venus”, are the sensual sisters of his “Flora”.

They are young beauties born to be looked at, admired, and desired.

The play of light on the very long golden hair covering Saint Mary Magdalene's shoulders, her barely veiled breasts, her satin skin, her attitude and the features of her face reveal the undeniable charms and the sumptuous softness of the beautiful sinner.

However, Titian knew how to remain within the standards of decency of the time, combining nudity and modesty subject to repentance and piety, thus avoiding possible reproaches from well-meaning people.

Following the classical diagram of the representation of Saint Mary Magdalene, three elements had to be brought together in the painting: aesthetics represented by feminine beauty, penance, and ecstatic expression.

The mystical ecstasy of the saint illuminates her beautiful face, which, as a result, is the most expressive and luminous part of the picture.

Saint Mary Magdalene

Titian, Saint Mary Magdalene