The Penitent Magdalen

La Tour used heightened chiaroscuro - or tenebrism - to underscore the mood and/or motivation of his subject. The darkened interior enabled him to play on the theme of light and reflected light in contrast with the surrounding obscurity. It set a mood conducive to contemplation and meditation, both for the  in his pictures and for the spectator. Light and darkness had symbolic values on several levels: most obviously in the contrast between the spiritual darkness of our mortal world, illuminated by the light of the divine". Indeed, Mary Magdalene is a fitting subject for La Tour's Baroque treatment. The candle, which was widely interpreted as a symbol of Christ's presence, features here to connote an act of meditation and Magdalen's new faith (in Jesus) that will lead her away from a life of sin. 

This painting is rich in religious symbolism. The quiet atmosphere of the painting perfectly fits the subject, Mary Magdalen, who renounced the pleasures of the flesh for a life of penance and contemplation. She is shown with a mirror, symbol of vanity; a skull, emblem of mortality; and a candle that probably references her spiritual enlightenment.

This painting is oil on canvas,measures 52 1/2 x 40 1/4 in. (133.4 x 102.2 cm) and is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City