Sep 10, 2024 - Things to Do

Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum acquires historic painting

Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi

An oil painting of a woman sitting in a chair — *Penitent Mary Magdalene* is an oil painting by an early Italian Baroque artist. Photo: Courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum

A 17th century painting that was lost, then rediscovered, is on display at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.

Why it matters: This is the first time the public can view "Penitent Mary Magdalene," which was in private collections since its creation and widely copied.

State of play: Artemisia Gentileschi, the first woman accepted to the Florence Academy of Fine Art, painted the piece around 1625. It depicts Saint Mary Magdalene, a central figure in Christianity's origins.

The intrigue: The painting disappeared from public record for many years and reappeared in 2001 at an auction in France, per the Kimbell.

It was in a private collection until the Kimbell purchased it this year. The painting went on display last week.

What they're saying: "In contrast to some of Artemisia's more violent narratives of forceful, heroic women, such as Judith and Lucretia, the Kimbell Magdalene captures an introspective moment of contrition and reflection, intense in its spiritual power," the museum said in a statement.

If you go: The painting is in the Kimbell's Louis I. Kahn Building as part of the museum's permanent collection, free to access.

Special exhibits are half price on Tuesdays and after 5pm on Fridays. The museum is closed on Mondays.

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Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum acquires historic painting

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