Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1956.1.33 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Description |
Mary Magdalene is held from behind by a woman, with a red-cloaked woman in a blue dress at the right. Unsigned and undated. Date estimated from a study of a Magdalene by the artist done in 1905. Lloyd Branson is one of Knoxville's most celebrated artists. The museum's acquisition of Branson's study painting for Weeping Magdalene, helps date this work. It also illustrates Branson's decision to portray Mary bare-breasted in his final painting (she is covered in the study painting). Branson's work combines Renaissance portrayals of Magdalene as either a repentant sinner casting away vanity and the rich, lustful lifestyle she had as a prostitute, or a pious, ecstatic Mary sustained in the wilderness by angels. Branson's racially-charged addition of a servant or slave at her feet, however, is out of place. The addition probably has its roots in Renaissance portrayals of semi- or unclothed white women in the presence of black attendants. |
Title |
The Weeping Magdalene |
Date |
c. 1905 |
Role of Creator |
Artist |
Creator |
Branson, Lloyd |
Medium |
oil on board |
Dimensions |
H-12.75 W-9.25 inches |
Credit line |
Gift of John S. Van Gilder |
Place of Origin |
Knoxville, TN, US |
Subjects |
Biblical events Biblical subject Christianity Details Painting Portrayals Women |
Relation |
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