The Magdalene c. 1884

Elihu Vedder’s "The Magdalene" emerges from a confluence of pencil, crayon and watercolour, laid down with considerable care. Vedder used these materials in a rather adroit manner, in a process that can be understood as ‘painterly drawing’. He used delicate strokes to define the figure’s form and the heavy cloth enveloping her, which softens the harsh lines with muted tones. Notice how the inherent qualities of the materials allow for a delicate balance between light and shadow, evoking a sense of introspection and sorrow. There is a wonderful interplay between the fine, controlled marks of the pencil, the soft blending of the crayons, and the fluidity of watercolour washes. Vedder coaxes a full spectrum of tonal variations out of essentially monochromatic materials. By appreciating the materiality and the making of “The Magdalene”, we can see how an artist can invest modest means with great emotional depth. In this way, the artwork transcends the traditional hierarchy between drawing and painting, and between craft and fine art.