Studies of the Mourning Magdalen and the Virgin

Studies of the Mourning Magdalen and the Virgin by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated circa 1635-1636, is an intimate yet powerful example of the Dutch Master's approach to preliminary sketching. Executed in chalk on paper, this highly expressive drawing serves as a critical window into Rijn’s working process, demonstrating his rapid mastery of human form and emotion before committing to a final oil painting or print. The Netherlands during the mid-17th century saw a great emphasis on dramatic religious iconography, and this sketch captures two of the most emotionally resonant figures in the Christian narrative.

In the work, Rijn focuses intensely on the postures and facial expressions of Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary, likely preparatory studies for a larger commission depicting the Passion or Lamentation. The chalk medium allows the artist to quickly model light and shadow, emphasizing the profound grief experienced by both women. The study of the Magdalen shows her bowed in immediate sorrow, while the figure of the Virgin suggests a more contained, yet equally intense, anguish. This focus on humanizing sacred figures through detailed emotional study was a hallmark of the Dutch Golden Age style and Rijn’s personal oeuvre.

As a foundational piece of the artist's graphic output, the drawing is securely preserved within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to the historical significance and cultural importance of Rijn's drawings, high-quality prints and digital reproductions of works like Studies of the Mourning Magdalen and the Virgin are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring global access to the prolific skill of this influential Dutch artist.