Scuola emiliana (XVII) - Maria Maddalena

Painting - work – Penitent Mary Magdalene
Refined ancient painted artwork depicting Penitent Mary Magdalene, portrayed in a half-length view according to the most widespread baroque iconography from the seventeenth to the early eighteenth century. The saint is depicted with loose, soft, and golden hair framing her slightly tilted face, marked by a melancholic and contemplative expression, typical of repentance and spiritual elevation that characterize the subject.
The figure emerges from a neutral brown background, which enhances the luminosity of the complexion. The white cloth, skillfully modeled with a soft and enveloping painterly application, leaves part of the bust uncovered, following a very common iconographic tradition in depictions of Magdalene after her conversion, when she is portrayed in her moment of intimacy and meditation.
Technique and style
The painting is executed in oil on canvas, with careful application, a smooth finish, and extremely delicate chiaroscuro transitions on the face and skin. The brushstrokes are fine and controlled, indicating a painting of a cultivated school attentive to classical models.
The depiction of the face, from moist, deep eyes to the softness of the lips, recalls the styles of artists active in the 17th century, particularly in the Emilia and Rome regions, where painters like Guido Reni, Carlo Dolci, Francesco Gessi, Elisabetta Sirani, and their circles defined an ideal of feminine beauty that was diaphanous, spiritual, and melancholic.
The slight regular craquelure and the chromatic impact confirm a plausible dating between the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century.
Frame and condition of preservation
The painting is presented in an antique gold frame, either contemporary or compatible with the period, with an important yet sober profile that enhances the scene without overpowering it. On the back, the canvas shows a cross stretcher, probably the result of a restoration intervention from the 19th or early 20th century, aimed at maintaining the stability of the pictorial surface.

Measures

Total measurements: 92 × 79 cm
Fabric measurements: 76 × 61 cm

Code: MADLN1741

Keys or accessories are not included unless otherwise indicated in the photo and description.
In good overall condition, showing the passage of time with signs of wear that, however, do not compromise the beauty, shape, and integrity of these unique pieces.
Please note that, as these are antique/vintage items, they may have slight damages or signs of their long journey through the years. We believe that these imperfections add authentic character and a special charm to each piece.
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