Attributed to Andrea Vaccaro (1607-1670), The Penitent Magdalene, Oil on canvas, 101.1 × 77 cm, Sotheby’s London, Old Master Paintings & Works on Paper, 4 July 2024
Andrea Vaccaro was a prominent Baroque artist and art dealer from Naples who was enormously popular in Spain, particularly for his religious works. As Naples was allied with Spain, Neapolitan artists had extensive opportunities within the vast Catholic art market. This composition of the Magdalene is one of many copies made in Naples. Vaccaro is believed to have created the original composition, though numerous copies were produced in his workshop. Another version of this Magdalene, possibly superior, is held in the Museo Nazionale Pepoli in Trapani, Sicily. Attributing authentic works to Vaccaro is challenging due to the limited understanding of his stylistic development and the large workshop he ran, where assistants often contributed to his works or produced copies.
Vaccaro was initially influenced by Italian and Spanish Caravaggisti, particularly in his use of chiaroscuro and the naturalistic rendering of figures, as seen in this painting. He also drew inspiration from artists of the Bolognese school and Antoon van Dyck, who was very popular among the Italian nobility.
What is interesting about such paintings is that artists and art dealers were acutely aware of international market trends and popular styles, much like today. These beautiful, sensual depictions of Magdalene were extremely popular across different Baroque schools. They varied in style and composition and sometimes blended her biblical story with regional beliefs and folklore.