Italian school (XVII) - Santa Maria Maddalena Penitente

Old painting, oil on canvas, depicting Saint Mary Magdalene the Penitent, attributable to the Italian School of the XVIIth century (Seicento). The work fully fits into the rich Baroque iconographic tradition dedicated to the Saint, depicted in her hermetic retreat and deep mystical devotion. Iconography and Style: The figure is captured with the gaze intensely turned toward the sky and the eyes gleaming, to symbolize penitence and spiritual ecstasy. The long, loose hair partly covers the shoulders, renouncing earthly vanity. In the foreground, at the bottom, the two main iconographic attributes of the Saint are clearly distinguished: The skull, a powerful symbol of vanitas and meditation on the transience of life. The vessel of unguents (pisside) on the right, a recall to the Gospel episode. The painting is distinguished by a marked use of chiaroscuro and a strong luminous contrast of Caravaggesque arrangement, which brings the figure out of the darkness of the background. Dimensions of the canvas: Height: 72 cm Width: 64 cm

Estimate:£593.32

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