The penitent Mary Magdalene was one of the most popular saints in 16th-century Italy, depicted mainly in half-figure devotional paintings. Unlike in most of these depictions, the saint in the present painting is not represented as a tearful and remorseful penitent renouncing her sins. Rather, she is depicted kneeling with dignity before a crucifix with the ointment vessel, her attribute at her feet. This could suggest that the painting once formed part of an altarpiece. Dimensions 121 x 81 cm Artist or Maker Emilian School 16th century Medium Oil on panel Provenance Italian art collection. Notes VAT: Margin scheme