National Gallery Acquires Rediscovered Gentileschi Magdalene
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. has acquired Artemisia Gentileschi's 'Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy,' a painting lost to history until a 2011 scholarly article identified it from an old photograph. Now on permanent display in Gallery 29 of the West Building, the work is hailed as one of the artist's finest. Curator Eve Straussman-Pflanzer discusses how Gentileschi transformed Baroque painting by focusing on the Magdalene's psychological and emotional state rather than traditional penitential symbols. The acquisition underscores the gallery's commitment to Italian Baroque art and solidifies Gentileschi's legacy as a pioneering female painter who overcame personal trauma to achieve international success.
Key facts
- Artemisia Gentileschi's 'Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy' was rediscovered after a 2011 scholarly article identified it from an old photograph.
- The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. announced its acquisition in early 2026.
- The painting is now on permanent display in Gallery 29 of the West Building, admission free.
- Dr. Eve Straussman-Pflanzer, Curator and Head of Italian and Spanish Painting, discussed the acquisition in a podcast.
- Gentileschi (1593–c. 1654) was a pioneering Italian Baroque painter known for dramatic depictions of biblical heroines.
- The painting captures a psychological moment of spiritual rapture, avoiding traditional symbols like a skull or book.
- The National Gallery described it as 'one of the finest ever made' by Gentileschi.
- Gentileschi was painting professionally by age 15 and became a commercially successful international artist.
Entities
Artists
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Eve Straussman-Pflanzer
Institutions
- National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
- The Collector
- National Gallery of Art
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
- Italy