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Christ anointed by Mary Magdalene

Maker

(artist)
1498-1574

(engraver)
1571-1628

(publisher)
1618-1679

Title

Christ anointed by Mary Magdalene

Date of Production

1566

Medium

Ink on paper

Dimensions

Height: 21 cm
Width: 24.8 cm

Accession Number

G.1990.WL.2960.381

Mode of Acquisition

Witt Library, transfer, 1990

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

Not currently on display

Keywords










Label Text

In this engraving, Heemskerck’s drawn composition (also in the Courtauld collection) is shown in reverse as is typical in printmaking. The scene is staged in a space evocative of ancient Rome. In the distance we see the Pantheon. Juxtaposing Christian narrative with overtly pagan Roman imagery, Heemskerck historicises the biblical story and also recalls his own experience as a young artist, drawing the antiquities of Rome when he travelled there in the 1530s.

Provenance

Information not yet known or updated

Exhibition History

Drawings Gallery Display - Renaissance Modern, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 22/04/2015-07/06/2015

Inscriptions

Inscription: Recto, lower left: "MHeemskerk In //". Recto, lower right: "BEATI QUI LUGENT, / RICORDES, / QVONIAM IPSI / CONSULABUNTUR / Matt.5.4. //". Recto, lower margin: "Ma Te animo, paltus fletu quem moeror & eger / Lustus agit; 'nam te' solamina grata manebunt. / Rore rigat plantas Christi lachrymosa fideli / Magdala, hinc venia & sequitur lustratio mentis. / 2 //". Recto, lower margin (later Witt inscription): "Theatrum Biblicum, 1674. //".

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