Angrende Magdalena 1749 - 1790

Curator: Here we have "Angrende Magdalena," a mezzotint print by Erik Pauelsen, likely created between 1749 and 1790. It’s currently held at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the somber mood. The heavy use of shadow really amplifies the feeling of remorse. The pose, her clasped hands and downcast eyes, is powerfully evocative. Curator: Indeed. Mezzotint, with its ability to produce rich blacks and subtle gradations, was perfect for conveying such dramatic emotion. This print participated in a surge of printmaking across Europe; prints allowed artworks and ideas to be easily disseminated and reinterpreted. This image of Mary Magdalene in repentance gained popularity within artistic circles. Editor: Right. Magdalene herself is a potent figure— a blend of sinner and saint. Note her flowing hair, a symbol of sensuality, now framing a face of grief. The loose drape covering her adds to the image's vulnerability, exposing but also obscuring, reflecting her state of being. It almost invites the viewer to participate in her moment of intimate sorrow. Curator: I think it's key to view this image within the socio-cultural context of the late 18th century. There's a tension here: an idealized female form presented within a religious narrative meant to edify. Prints like these served a dual role; they offered aesthetic pleasure but also reinforced societal norms around penitence and the redemption of female sexuality. Editor: Absolutely, the visual vocabulary is telling. But consider also the apple she holds in her hands. We know that the apple has a traditional significance relating to temptation, but does its presence add another layer of the fall of man? Is she in despair because of what she did, or is she considering all of humankind at this moment of grief? It speaks to a far wider, and more complicated symbolism. Curator: These kinds of prints were circulated amongst the wealthier population, usually owned by families. The market helped to build up artists that people loved and revered. Editor: Looking closely, you can appreciate the technical skill Pauelsen displays here. Curator: Studying it more closely only enriches our understanding of both Magdalene as a cultural figure and the world in which this piece existed. Editor: A complex, powerful, and emotionally charged print!