The Magdalen

The Magdalen by Master of the Die; Raphael is a noteworthy Italian print, created through the process of engraving sometime within the extensive period of 1452 to 1592. The Master of the Die (often identified as Bernardino Dadi) was a skilled Italian printmaker who specialized in translating the complex compositions of High Renaissance masters, most famously Raphael, into reproducible copperplate engravings.

This print classification provides crucial insight into the dissemination of religious and mythological iconography during the Renaissance. The technique involves precisely incising lines into a metal plate, allowing for high detail and enabling the wide distribution of artistic concepts across Europe. The period 1401 to 1500 witnessed a pivotal shift in art accessibility, driven largely by the proliferation of such prints.

The subject, Mary Magdalen, was one of the most frequently depicted female saints in Christian art, symbolizing deep penitence and spiritual transformation. While Raphael designed the original composition, the Master of the Die’s meticulous execution of this engraving ensured the longevity and influence of the design, extending Raphael's visual vocabulary far beyond Rome and into the broader European art market.

As a significant example of collaboration between a designer and an executing engraver, the work demonstrates the enduring appeal of Raphael’s style long after his death. The existence of multiple versions created over this wide timeframe (1452-1592) underscores the continuous demand for such imagery throughout the sixteenth century. This piece is preserved as part of the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Because of its historical provenance and age, this masterwork, like many important historical prints from the Italian Renaissance, frequently enters the public domain, allowing for greater access and scholarly research into the art of the period.