Guillaume Geefs
, Belgian, 1805-1883
Title
The Repentant MagdelenDate1841
MediumMarble
Dimensions
135 x 41.5 x 67 cm
Signedon obverse: Gme Geefs/1841
Credit LinePurchased, 1982
Object numberNGI.8259
Label TextThis sculpture depicts Mary Magdalene with her head bowed in prayer. The fishing net and the waves at her feet hint at the legends of the Magdalene’s voyage to Marseilles. The religious subject allowed the artist to depict the female nude whilst maintaining a sense of propriety. Geefs received several commissions from Ireland, most likely through his wife, the Irish artist Fanny Corr.