Magdelen, 1872

Could this picture be an early, undocumented, work by John William Waterhouse? It shows a repentent Mary Magdalene in a gothic interior. It is currently in a private collection in Canada where it has been for at least the past sixty years. It is oil on canvas and sized 6.75 x 9 inches (width x height). The picture is framed, and has a label on the rear of the frame (see below) which states its title is 'Magdelen', the artist 'Waterhouse' and the year of creation '1872'.

Comparison to Undine The model in Magdelen closely resembles the model in Waterhouse's picture Undine which was also painted in 1872, and is also of a very small size (8 x 10 inches). The model in Magdelen has similar facial features, long blonde hair and wears a similar white gown. Detail from Magdelen Detail from Undine

Front and Back

Mary Magdalene
Traditionally in art, the repentent Mary Magdalene is depicted in a grotto, with a book, jug and skull, and dressed in blue. Here she is painted inside a medieval / gothic interior, perhaps a church or cathedral. She is kneeling on the checkerboard tiled floor, with a door to her left, and either a crucifix or a window in front of her. Her hands are outstretched and clasped, in the act of prayer. She has very long blonde hair, and wears a white/cream gown, open to the waist, and bound round the waist with a cord. A blue robe covers the gown. The colour blue symbolizes the eternal, chastity and purity and is traditionally used in art to portray the repentent Mary Magdalene, and the Virgin Mary. A book lies opened before her. Her head is slightly raised, her eyes focused on the object in front of her, and her lips are parted, as if in the midst of reciting a prayer.

The Label

Transcription:

The price is given in pounds, shilling and pence, the UK currency pre-decimalisation in 1971. Note the unusual spelling of Magdalene. A price would have been written on the label if the picture had been exhibited at a 'buying' auction. Undine was sold for 18 guineas in 1872.

This picture has not been authenticated yet by Peter Trippi, Waterhouse expert. The owner of the picture, Geoff North, welcomes any feedback - contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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