Object Description
The Penitent Mary Magdalene. After Il Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri 1591-1666).
The original painting by Il Guercino of the penitent Mary Magdalene was lost. It was copied by one of his followers and this anonymous painting is after that transcription and probably dates from the late 18th century. It depicts Mary Magdalene contemplating the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross. Mary Magdelene was traditionally depicted with her breasts bared as a reference to her status as a ‘fallen woman’ and to differentiate her from the Madonna.
The elegantly carved and gilded frame is by Paul Garbanati: He was the son of a celebrated 18th century Gilder, carver and framer J. Garbanati and learned his trade from his father. He had his own framing business in the early to mid 19th Century. This frame will have been made by Garbanati not later than 1845 as he left his New Bond street premises after that year (see frame label).
(Ref. British Picture Frame Makers, 1600-1950. National Portrait Gallery, London 2007.)
The picture was in the possession of Ms. Priscilla Nugent not later than 1845.
Dimensions: Framed, Height 34cm x Width 30cm x Depth 2cm
Dimensions: Canvas, Height 20cm x Width 17cm x Depth 2cm