Mary Magdalene in the desert Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, Il Guercino (Cento, 1591 - Bologna, 1666) Workshop of Oil on canvas (122 x 78 cm - Framed 136 x 92 cm) The painting presents us with a superb image of the penitent Magdalene, portrayed as an attractive young woman, mischievously disrobed to recall her past as a sinner, her gaze full of devotion directed towards the messenger angel who arrives from above. What makes the composition fascinating are the long loose hair that falls softly over her body, allowing a glimpse of her breasts, a further reminder of the strong femininity of this Saint, both a sinner and a penitent, and therefore perpetually portrayed in the ambivalence between the sacred and the profane. Stylistically, the work, which can still be dated to the first half of the 17th century, shows its clear belonging to the Emilian area, and in particular the Guercinesque characteristics undoubtedly refer the execution to an author from his workshop. The iconography of the painting reinterprets a work by Guercino "The Vision of Saint Jerome" (https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Visione_di_san_Girolamo_-_Guercino.png) painted in 1641 for the Confraternity of San Girolamo of Rimini: the two works appear similar in the setting, in the setting of the scene, in the treatment of the body of the protagonists and even in the pose and colors and in the insertion of the angel in the upper part of the painting. Returning to our beautiful Magdalene, although the original work by Guercino cannot be traced, there are still other versions made by his talented pupils and the workshop, including that of Cesare Gennari (Cento, 1637 - Bologna, 1688), now at the Pinacoteca Civica di Cento (FE), considered one of the best talents to emerge from the prestigious teaching of the master. *Gennari Cesare - Penitent Magdalene, oil on canvas, cm 276x 171 cm., 1662, n. 0342 Civic Art Gallery Il Guercino, Cento (FE) Link: https://bbcc.regione.emilia-romagna.it/pater/loadcard.do?id_card=161979&force=1 Also with regard to our canvas, of high quality, although it is difficult to arrive at a specific name, we can seek its paternity in the context of the workshop of the great master, hypothesizing its execution either by Cesare Gennari himself or, alternatively, to an author close to the stylemes of the latter; among these Giuseppe Maria Ficatelli, from whom the particular luministic sense and vigorous naturalism derived. Our painter follows that robust and synthetic naturalism typical of Cesare's manner: the touch is refined but of character in delineating the Magdalene, with sensual flesh, especially in those breasts, grazed and barely hidden by the long mane of curly and golden hair. The woman contains within herself a three-dimensional force that makes her the focal point of the painting, around which everything else is coordinated, also thanks to her diagonal pose, which emphasizes its depth. She rests, kneeling, on a rock altar, on which the crucifix and the open book are placed, as well as the skull at her feet, as a warning against Vanitas. In this dark setting, with deep colors functional to the message of faith, of which the Magdalene becomes an advocate, the only source of light that illuminates everything is the angel at the top of the painting, which indicates the true source of that glow, which stands out above the magnificent lapis lazuli blue glimpse of the sky. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Good state of conservation, there are ancient restorations, consistent with the era of the painting, complete with gilded frame (19th century). The work is sold complete with certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/