Den bodfærdige Magdalene 1603 - 1655

Herman van Swanevelt created this print of the Penitent Magdalene, using etching as his medium. The composition is dominated by a dense, almost claustrophobic landscape. Observe how the sharp, angular lines define the rocky terrain and the gnarled trees. This creates a sense of enclosure, reflecting the inner turmoil and isolation associated with repentance. The artist's use of light and shadow is striking; the darkness of the cave, where Mary Magdalene lies, is juxtaposed with the brighter, more open landscape in the distance. This contrast might symbolize the transition from sin to redemption. The figures of the angels above the cave entrance add another layer to this symbolic landscape, creating a vertical tension that draws the eye upwards. Notice how the formal elements of line and composition work together to convey a sense of spiritual drama and transformation. Ultimately, this print invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between the individual and the landscape.