Andrea Vaccaro (naples, 1604–1670) - “saint Mary Magdalene The Penitent” Oil On Canvas - 17th Century

In late medieval art, Mary Magdalene is also depicted as a penitent.
According to legend, she was a great sinner who, after her conversion and her encounter with the risen Christ, settled as a hermit in southern France, near Marseille, where she preached the Gospel.
The cult of the penitent Mary Magdalene fascinated many artists, who regarded her as the female counterpart of John the Baptist. She is generally depicted wearing a robe similar to that of John the Baptist or covered only by her hair. Her outward beauty has faded—her face marked by fasting and prayer vigils—but she is illuminated by her inner beauty, for she has found peace and joy in the Lord.
Donatello’s statue of the Penitent Magdalene, sculpted for the Florence Baptistery, is a true masterpiece.

Andrea VACCARO (Naples, 1604–1670)

Andrea Vaccaro was an Italian Baroque painter of the Neapolitan school who emulated Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro and Guido Reni’s style in the rendering of his figures, following the advice of Massimo Stanzione. His son, Nicola Vaccaro, was also a painter.

His paintings from shortly after 1620 show the influence of Caravaggio and his Neapolitan followers. After 1630, Vaccaro became familiar with the work of Guido Reni, Anthony van Dyck, and Pietro Novelli. He produced copies of these artists’ works for Neapolitan collectors and Flemish art dealers in Naples, such as Gaspar Roomer and Jan Vandeneyden. It is believed that he was also active as an art dealer, as was common among Neapolitan painters of the time.

Vaccaro enjoyed great success, and nearly every collection in Naples included at least one painting by him. Vaccaro also had clients in other parts of Italy.
Beginning in 1635, he exported religious paintings to Spain for religious orders and noble patrons. The Spanish viceroy of Naples, Gaspar de Bracamonte, was also one of his clients.
In 1656, the plague ravaged Naples, decimating half the population, including the artists Bernardo Cavallino and Massimo Stanzione, with whom Andrea Vaccaro had been closely associated. Vaccaro continued to receive numerous commissions.