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National Gallery Acquires Groundbreaking Gentileschi Painting of Mary Magdalene

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, has acquired Artemisia Gentileschi's painting of Mary Magdalene in ecstasy.
This marks the gallery's first acquisition by Gentileschi.
The work challenges the traditional view of Mary Magdalene as sinful and repentant, portraying her as vibrant and self-possessed, part of a broader movement toward gender equality in art.
The painting will be on view starting February 24, 2026.

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Story summary

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, has acquired Artemisia Gentileschi's painting of Mary Magdalene in ecstasy.
This marks the gallery's first acquisition by Gentileschi.
The work challenges the traditional view of Mary Magdalene as sinful and repentant, portraying her as vibrant and self-possessed, part of a broader movement toward gender equality in art.
The painting will be on view starting February 24, 2026.