Saint Mary Magdalen Reading (reclining Magdalen), After Antonio Allegri Correggio (1489-1534)

Artist: Italian School (XVIII), after Antonio Allegri Correggio (1489-1534)

Title: Saint Mary Magdalen Reading (Reclining Magdalen)

Medium: Oil on canvas

Period: Circa late 18th century

From a private UK collection

Dimensions: Overall measures 62cm x 48cm x 5 cm and the painting measures 43 x 30

The present work is after Correggio's original which was only rediscovered a few years ago. It shows the barefoot saint lying on the ground, deeply absorbed in reading a large devotional book. In this particular version she is situated in a dark and shadowy wooded landscape setting, the attention focused on her sensuous body in the foreground. Resting her head on her right hand, her elbow rests on the pages of the book while her left arm cradles the book. Beside her, to her right, is an ointment jar while below the book rests a small effigy of Christ on the cross.

This image is known for its success in blurring the boundaries between the sacred and the profane which it achieves by alluding to the saint’s legend and to her religious devotion, while at the same time suggesting her seductive allure. The pensive and contemplative expression gives this depiction of the Magdalen an alluring character. Her semi-naked body is sensuous in its pose, in contrast with the pious devotion of her devotional reading and the emblems of religiosity represented by the ointment jar and effigy of Christ.

The present work is very successful in its depiction of the Magdalen - it is skillfully executed by a well-trained and technically proficient hand. The Magdalen is shown deeply absorbed in her reading, the wonderfully contemplative expression in keeping with Correggio's original. The saint's voluptuous figure is beautifully rendered and skillfully composed, both in terms of the anatomy and the pose. Her skin is delicate in tone and almost luminescent in appearance, the lighting of the body placing her at the centre of the image. The landscape scene is luscious and atmospheric in character.

Condition report: The painting is in excellent condition and has been professionally restored , cleaned and lined. The painting surface is stable and even . The tonality is excellent and the canvas in good tension. There is cracqulure through lounge painting commensurate with its antiquity.

The carved Florentine frame is a gift but has an intrinsic value and we typically see have carved frames of the period in similar condition selling for over 400 euros.

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