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Saint Mary Magdalene is here depicted with eyes raised heavenward, a sign of her devotion and penance. The Gospels describe Mary of Magdala as one of Christ's followers, a witness to his burial and resurrection. Mary Magdalene was later identified with another biblical figure, an unnamed woman understood to be a repentant prostitute -- an identification which is almost certainly untrue.Guido Reni has included the saint's typical attributes of a red cloak and long blonde hair. The nondescript background provides the painting with minimal narrative, suggesting perhaps that this was a work intended for quiet meditation.The image of Mary Magdalene in penance was one of Reni's most frequently addressed subjects -- the artist and his studio produced dozens of variants on the theme.