Bas-relief-Maddalena penitent - Carrara Marble Statuary - Second half of the 18th century

Marvellous bas-relief in Statuary Carrara marble, depicting “Maddalena Penitente,” inspired by a famous painting of Guido Reni. The original painting, now kept at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini, was created around 1630 for Cardinal Antonio Santacroce. Following the death of the latter, the “Maddalena Penitente” passed into the collections of cardinal Antonio Barberini and, as a result of alternating events, the work is now part of the State heritage. This bas-relief, dating back to the late 18th century, comes from a prestigious private collection in Venice. The tile depicts the Saint during her meditation and penance time: the subject was very popular in the Seventeenth century, and among the favourites of Counter-Reformation. Mary Magdalene was, in fact, the clearest examples of converted sinners. The saint has a very spiritual pose, any carnal suggestion is avoided (she wears a large robe and her hair covers her breasts) . Her gaze is turned towards the sky, where two approaching angels can be seen. Some of the typical attributes of the Penitent Magdalen are near the saint, such as the skull, on which she rests her hand, recalling the transience of life, the crucifix, before which the penitent prays, and a small bundle of roots on the left, symbol of fasting. Exclusive lot, high quality workmanship, one of a kind. The marble has a magnificent patina and grain, medium-sized, well proportioned tile, even the weight is right. Best if hung on a wall or resting on a solid base. The work has been restored professionally to preserve its original value. In very good overall condition. Accurate packaging and shipping in a wooden crate. Affordable, safe and tracked shipping worldwide. The item is also available for pick up at our warehouse. Dimensions:
- Width 39 cm- Length 49 cm- Maximum thickness 7 cm- Weight 16 kg.