Mary Magdalene
Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 -1642) Workshop
Oil on canvas
Guilloché frame with briar inserts
Canvas dimensions cm. 60 x 80
Frame dimensions cm. 83 x 103
Excellent condition
A splendid 17th-century Emilian canvas, painted with extraordinary finesse.
The theme is among the favorites of the great Masters of ancient painting and portrays Mary Magdalene in an intimate moment of her conversion, with the definitive renunciation of earthly pleasures for a life dedicated to penance and unconditional love for God.
The painting describes the scene in an extremely elegant manner, certainly executed to adorn the walls of an important family residence, and offers a serene image, with the hint of a veiled smile unusual for the attractive protagonist.
In fact, the scene is far from depictions in exaggerated tones, which describe the Magdalene with her face disfigured by pain holding the Crucifix next to the skull, at the culminating moment of her repentance.
Although showing her gaze directed upwards, with her eyes seeking contact with her beloved Christ, the work conveys the message of repentance in a way more suited to the needs of private commissions, lending itself to easy placement in domestic environments, just like the portrait of a beautiful lady.
Her right hand on her chest brushes her long blonde hair while her left holds the ointment jar, the only reference to her figure as a Saint.
The excellent pictorial level of the canvas, of clear Emilian origin, leads us to place it directly in the workshop of the great Bolognese Master Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 -1642), a true forge of great talents, many of whom also distinguished themselves personally in the artistic landscape of the Emilian Baroque.
We consider the work, in addition to being clearly of exquisite craftsmanship, very interesting for its rarity. While showing all the unmistakable characteristics of Renian painting, this " Magdalene" differs from the iconographies of the same subject produced in his workshop, and constitutes an authentic addition to his infinite repertoire.
We emphasize the excellent state of conservation of the painting, perfectly relined and set in a magnificent frame.
We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the period, provenance, and all the characteristics of the work, prepared by an antiquarian affiliated with FIMA (ITALIAN FEDERATION OF ART MERCHANTS).
Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days of receipt of bank transfer.
Shipping is tracked and insured and travels with careful anti-shock packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.
