... The paintings of “The Penitent Magdalen” by Georges de LaTour (1638-1643), and “Aristotle With a Bust of Homer” by Rembrandt (1653), accommodate all the key characteristics of the named above. ...
The subject of “The Penitent Magdalen” is Mary Magdalen sitting on a chair in a dark room, in front of a candle-lit mirror, with a skull in her lap. The painting seems to be separated into two diagonal sections, Mary sitting on the left and the mirror being on the right. ... The representation of Mary and her surroundings is very systematic, as well as geometrical. ...
A character shown on such a great scale, as Mary is here, relates to the viewer in a more realistic way, because her presence could almost be felt, as if standing next to a real human being. ... The way Mary’s head is turned, and the fact that she does not look at the viewer illustrates that she could be a sinner, or that she has something to hide from her spectators. ... Considering that Mary was known for giving up the pleasures of her flesh for a life of contemplation and penance, the mirror clearly states how she “reflects” her thoughts and her life through its glass. There are a few factors that portray that Mary chose a life of contemplation.
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