St. Magdalene in the Desert 1591

Annibale Carracci made this print, "St. Magdalene in the Desert," sometime in the late 16th century. The traditional telling of Mary Magdalene's story typically casts her either as a prostitute or penitent, and it is this latter version that is explored in this image. Carracci’s Magdalene is alone in the wilderness; her gaze lowered, her posture suggesting a mix of contemplation and exhaustion. Note how her body is only partially covered, with emphasis on her bare leg. The composition invites consideration of the complex negotiations of sensuality and piety, and how Magdalene’s identity as a woman shapes her narrative. This image reflects the social expectations placed on women of the period, specifically the need to atone for perceived transgressions and find redemption through religious devotion. In representing Magdalene's transformation, Carracci invites us to consider the deeply personal dimensions of faith and repentance, while also prompting reflection on the broader societal judgements placed on female sexuality.