Antwerp School, circa 1520

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owners before 1970.

Distinguished by its crisp lines, imaginative detailing, and vibrant palette, this panel typifies the output of the Antwerp school, which during the early 16^th century experienced a remarkable artistic flourishing. The Magdalene was a highly favoured subject during this period — a symbol of repentance, while at the same time offering an opportunity to depict beauty and luxury, as exemplified by the present work. Here, Mary appears in a vivid crimson damask bodice with slashed sleeves delicately fastened by dark green bows, revealing an underlayer of pale green fabric with trailing sleeves. Her elaborate gem-encrusted headdress supports an iridescent blue veil. She is depicted holding her traditional saintly attribute, an ointment jar, rendered as a meticulously detailed piece of gilded metalwork.

This captivating portrayal of the Magdalene, is a particularly fine and well-preserved example of this popular composition, known in multiple examples of varying quality.¹ The proliferation of such variants, executed by different hands, suggests the wide circulation of a design among Antwerp workshops.

¹ For example: https://www.christies.com/lot/antwerp-school-c-1520-mary-magdalene-5868384/?intObjectID=5868384&lid=1; https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/tableaux-et-dessins-1300-1900/mary-magdalen-marie-madeleine; https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5489444