Circle of Abraham Bloemaert, “Penitent Mary Magdalene,” c. 1650

Circle of Abraham Bloemaert (1564–1651)

“Penitent Mary Magdalene,” c. 1650

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper, trimmed around the image borderline and professionally supported on archival washi paper. 

The depiction shows the Penitent Mary Magdalene with her hands crossed, holding a cloth to her breasts— evoking a private, inward moment of “quiet penance.” This particular interpretation is unusual and, to the best of my knowledge, unrecorded. It is notably absent from Roethlisberger’s (1993) catalogue raisonné, “Abraham Bloemaert and His Sons,” making it a rare unrecorded variant from the Bloemaert circle and an intriguing addition to the known body of works by Northern Mannerists. 

While unlisted in Roethlisberger, the engraving displays the refined burin craftsmanship characteristic of artists like Boëtius à Bolswert or Cornelis Bloemaert, notably in the masterful depiction of flowing drapery and the nuanced, fine-grained hatchwork that models the flesh tones.

The impression is strong and well-printed. There are several small replenished holes and a notable dot on the Magdalene’s arm; aside from these, the sheet is in good condition.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 21.7 x 16.3 cm

Price & Shipping:

AU$296 (approximately US$206.21 / €177.67 / £153.96), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this finely executed engraving that is highly probable to be based on a lost drawing by Abraham Bloemaert—or an independent creation by a skilled pupil—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will be happy to send a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure transaction.