17th century Italian painting, Magdalene renouncing the vanities

COD 0996 

Italian painting from the second half of the 17th century. Oil painting on canvas from the Neapolitan school attributable to the great painter Domenico Viola: specialized in religious subjects, he was a student of Andrea Vaccaro and Mattia Preti and is also known for having been the teacher of Francesco de Mura (the work is not currently accompanied by an expertise, but it is possible to obtain it upon payment of the relevant additional costs). Painting of notable pictorial quality and character depicting Mary Magdalene renouncing the vanities. We find the iconographic elements typical of her representation, such as the skull in her hands, a symbol of memento mori. The ecstatic expression and the use of the chiaroscuro technique emphasize the drama of the scene while the theatrical gestures make the composition dynamic. Painting already restored with relining, replacement of the frame and repainting of the color in small spots. 19th century frame in carved and gilded wood, with some signs of aging. Overall painting in good state of conservation. Interior size H 99 x W 76 cm.