St Mary Magdalene 1490s Piero di Cosimo (c.1462-1522)

The composition presents a female figure in three-quarter view against a dark, undefined background. She is positioned centrally and occupies most of the frame, drawing immediate attention to her presence. The lighting is carefully orchestrated; it illuminates her face and upper body while leaving the lower portion in shadow, creating a sense of depth and emphasizing her contemplative mood.
Here we see a woman with long, reddish-brown hair braided neatly and adorned with a delicate headband. Her complexion is pale, suggesting an interior life or perhaps even asceticism. The eyes are downcast, conveying humility and introspection rather than direct engagement with the viewer. A subtle melancholy seems to permeate her expression.
The figure’s attire consists of layered garments: a dark underdress, a crimson cloak draped over one shoulder, and sleeves of a lighter hue. These fabrics contribute to the richness of the visual texture and subtly delineate her form. A small cluster of flowers is pinned near her collar, offering a touch of natural beauty amidst the formality of her dress.
In her left hand, she holds open a book, its pages displaying dense text. This detail immediately suggests an association with learning, piety, or scriptural study. A small paper and a ceramic vessel rest on a surface to her right, further reinforcing the impression of intellectual pursuits and perhaps symbolic elements related to repentance or purification.
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and spiritual depth. The artist has skillfully employed light, color, and gesture to create an image that transcends mere portraiture; it evokes a sense of inner life and devotion. The subdued palette and restrained composition contribute to the painting’s solemnity and invite contemplation on themes of faith, repentance, and intellectual engagement with religious texts.