Description

Mary Magdalene is kneeling. Her right hand rests against her heart as a sign of piety. Her left hand lies flat on her thigh, like the sculpted figures of ancient Egypt. This is no coincidence, since Lacombe owned a collection of photographs of works from the Egyptian department of the Louvre.

Techniques

Lacombe, the only sculptor working within the circle of the Nabi artists, followed their precept of pure lines and massive forms. He worked in méplat, that is to say in low relief. And whereas Mary Magdalene is usually richly adorned, here nothing distracts the viewer's gaze. The essence of this work is the impression of serenity and piety that emanates from it.

History

One might imagine that such a sculpture had been commissioned by a religious order or by a wealthy parishioner wishing to decorate his church. But this is not the case. The subject was chosen by Lacombe himself. It is one of only two works depicting a biblical figure that Lacombe ever produced – the second being a figure of Jesus Christ kept in Brest. And with good reason, for he was fiercely opposed to any idea of religion after receiving a Catholic upbringing a little too strict for his taste!

State of conservation

The state of conservation is good.