#romanism

Famous art historian Max Jakob Friedländer coined the name in 1949. He grouped together 15 distinct, unsigned paintings that shared the exact same stylistic quirks and visual themes. This work depicts Mary Magdalene not as a mourning figure, but as a repentant disciple, wearing a bejeweled velvet gown with slashed sleeves. The painting demonstrates the influence of Romanism, specifically the Italianate style of the generation following Quentin Metsys and Bernard van Orley. The figure’s oval face and alabaster complexion show a clear Leonardesque influence, while the elongated, delicate fingers reflect the Mannerist taste for elegant, idealized proportions.

Loc. Private Collection (Sold via Christie's, New York, June 2011). Dim. 73.6 cm H x 58.4 cm W (29 x 23 in.).