Martha and Mary Magdalene by Caravaggio - 884 Words

The Painting Martha and Mary Magdalene is one of the many masterpieces in the DIA’s collection in Detroit. Although there is much more to understanding a work of art then just looking at it. In order to understand a piece, you have to understand the Artist, the time period, and the symbols in that painting that may have very different meaning today. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio better known as simply Caravaggio was an Italian Baroque master painter born in Italy around 1571. After he apprenticed with a painter in Milan, he moved to Rome, where he lived for most of his life. His work influenced painters around Europe. He’s most known for his gruesome subjects and use of Tenebrism, which was a technique that used heavy shadow to†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"From prostitute to sibyl to mystic to celibate nun to passive helpmeet to feminist icon to the matriarch of divinity’s secret dynasty.† (James Carroll â€Å"Who is Mary Magdalene†) What we know for sure is that Mary Magdalene was a former sinner that became a leading figure in Jesus’ followers. She stayed by Jesus’ side, to the end, she visited him at his tomb, and was the first person that Jesus â€Å"appeared after his resurrection and the first to preach the â€Å"Good News† of that miracle.† During the time period of this painting Mary Magdalene, a sinner and prostitute, illustrated â€Å"the very essence of spiritual conversion.† (Ebert-Schifferer 63) It’s no stretch to say that the painting is meant to show the moment at which Mary changes her ways, and becomes â€Å"married to the word of god†. The conversion of Mary was a new concept to Rome, The book â€Å"Caravaggio: The Artist and His Work† claims that this painting is the first to depict it. There is no lack of symbolism in Caravaggio’s ‘Martha and Mary Magdalene’. The painting shows the contrast between the two sisters even though they are wearing the same colors. Martha is dressed simply, while Mary is dressed elaborately and provocatively. Mary’s fancy dress is said not to be because of her prostitution, but because of her future loftier spiritual aspiration, in comparison to her sister Martha. Although the way the two are dressed are far from being the only symbols in this piece. The useShow MoreRelatedRenaissance Time Capsule1187 Words   |  5 Pagesunravel The Inspiration of Saint Mathew and Christ in the House of Mary and Martha. Caravaggio produced The Inspiration of Saint Matthew in the early 17th century (Cheremeteff, 2000). Diego Velà ¡zquez produced the second art during the year 1618. The two arts reflect a lot about the religious and cultural settings of the age of Baroque. For instance, Velà ¡zquez’s art reflects the classic Baroque Christian fusion of Martha and Mary Magdalene. Music Music refers to human activity characterized by prearranged