The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene 1645 - 1680

Toussaint Gelton painted this small oil on canvas of The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene in the 17th century, a period when this subject matter was on the rise. Oil paint is a slow-drying medium. The artist manipulates the pigments suspended in oil to create a smooth surface, blending the colors imperceptibly. This requires a high degree of technical skill and control, often achieved through the layering of glazes to build up depth and luminosity. The amount of work and patience involved in its production is easily overlooked, but consider the number of hours spent grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying thin layers to achieve the desired effect. Gelton uses the smooth surface of the paint to create a glossy surface, that almost feels like porcelain. The result is a vision of Mary Magdalene as a flawless beauty, despite her life of hardship and penitence. By focusing on the materials and processes involved in creating this painting, we can better understand its cultural significance and the artist's labor. Recognizing this connection helps us appreciate the full complexity of the artwork, challenging the hierarchy between art and craft.