The Magdalen n.d.

Giulio Carpioni created this etching, "The Magdalen," sometime in the 17th century, and it now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The composition is dominated by linear, cross-hatched strokes that define form and texture across the print. The contrast between areas of dense hatching and sparse lines creates a dramatic chiaroscuro effect. This use of light emphasizes the emotional intensity of Mary Magdalen’s penitence. The upward gaze of the Magdalen, combined with the vertical lines of divine light, creates a visual pathway that leads the viewer's eye toward the heavens. This orientation implies a spiritual transcendence. In contrast, the skull and bare bones beside her symbolize mortality, a vanitas motif. The artist uses line and form to explore themes of redemption and the transient nature of earthly existence. The formal elements of the print underscore its symbolic weight, offering a rich visual meditation on faith and human condition.