Spanish school; second half of the 18th century. "Penitent Magdalene". Oil on canvas. It presents faults in the pictorial surface. Measurements: 91 x 141 cm; 98 x 148 cm (frame). Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the New Testament as a distinguished disciple of Christ. According to the Gospels, she housed and provided materially for Jesus and his disciples during their stay in Galilee, and was present at the Crucifixion. She was a witness to the Resurrection, as well as the one in charge of transmitting the news to the apostles. She is also identified with the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with perfumes before his arrival in Jerusalem, which is why her main iconographic attribute is a knob of essences, like the one shown here. Alone, Mary Magdalene is usually depicted as here, doing penance in the desert, repentant for her past sins, meditating on the Holy Scriptures. The story of this saint serves as an example of Christ's forgiveness, and conveys the message of the possibility of redemption of the soul through repentance and faith.