What defines Seventeenth-Century Italian Baroque portraiture?

Seventeenth-Century Italian Baroque portraiture is distinguished by strong dramatic contrast between light and dark, intense emotional expression, and fluid brushwork. Artists frequently portrayed religious figures with subtle human realism rather than idealized perfection.

What materials were traditionally used in Italian Baroque paintings?

Paintings from this era were typically created using hand-ground mineral pigments bound in linseed oil, applied to coarse linen or hemp canvas stretched over wooden strainers. Frames were crafted from carved wood coated in gesso and finished with gold leaf gilding.

How can one identify authentic Baroque period paintings?

Authentic period works display characteristic natural craquelure across the paint surface, historic canvas preparation layers, and hand-forged hardware or wooden peg construction on original stretchers. Pigment analysis and ultraviolet examination often reveal historical restorations and original paint layers.

How do interior designers style antique religious portraits in contemporary spaces?

Designers often position dark, dramatic paintings against modern neutral walls or deep paint shades to accentuate visual contrast. The piece can serve as an architectural focal point when paired with understated modern furniture or placed within a curated gallery wall.

How should an antique giltwood oil painting be maintained?

Oil paintings require hanging away from direct sunlight, open fires, and fluctuating humidity to prevent varnish yellowing and canvas warping. Cleaning should strictly be performed by a professional art conservator using specialised solvents.

for sale €1,755 $1,905

£1,500

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Old Master Oil Portrait

Id #SA1145553

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Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)

Name: Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1145553
Price: 1500 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Westcoast Fine Art

Description

Artist: Circle of Guido Reni, 17th Century Italian School

Title: Head and Shoulders Portrait of The Penitent

Mary Magdelene

Date: Late 17th Century

Provenance: From a private UK collection

Measurements 32cm x 30cm x 3cm and the painting measured at 25cm x 22cm

This stunning portrait is a beautiful example of an Old Master School portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene. It bears all the hallmarks of the Italian school of the 17th century, in particular the work of Guido Reni

The way artist has positioned the head of the figure and directed the gaze heavenward identifies the figure as the Penitent Mary Magdelene. Depicted in a pensive and melancholy state, this depiction of a repentant Mary Magdelene is one that is intended to invite contemplation and reflection as well as inspire greater spiritual devotion. The artist who executed the present work shows a great level of skill and talent.

The great 17th-centuy Italian painter Guido Reni was a master of the religious subject par excellence. He was celebrated during his lifetime for his graceful, classical style characterised by refined colours, soft modelling and a gentle emotional sensibility inspired by Raphael.

Through his studios, Reni fostered nearly 200 pupils, helping the artist establish a wide-ranging influence on the late Baroque period. Some of his most distinguished pupils included Simone Cantarini, called il Pesarese. Reni’s works now belong in the collections of the Louvre in Paris, the Prado Museum in Madrid, the National Gallery in London and major institutions around the world.

Condition report. The paint surface is even and stable and the painting has undergone what appears as two periods of restoration. The original canvas is laid to board. There is craquelure throughout the paint surface and areas of retouching which are generally well blended.

Physical Dimensions

Height

32cm (12.60")

Width

30cm (11.81")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Westcoast Fine Art has dated this Baroque Oil Portrait Painting to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1145553

Dealers Notes

****Westcoast Fine Art is always willing to consider reasonable offers from prospective buyers. Please feel free to send us an inquiry regarding any proposal or offer; we will review and respond within 24 hours.

Please enquire about shipping before making a purchase.

Note:

The buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and associated taxes in the destination country. All works will be professionally packed and insured for shipment.

Shipping:

Please contact for exact shipping charges before purchasing

1) UK shipping please enquire

2) EU shipping please enquire

3) For other worldwide shipping, please contact us.

We offer a 14-day return period to the EU and UK, provided the painting is returned in the same condition as received, packaged to the same packaging standards and insured at the price paid to Westcoast Fine Art Ltd for the artwork.

**The buyer is responsible for paying any customs charges of the destination country. We always advise the buyer to check with their local customs authorities for customs tariffs.

The frame is a gift and is therefore being provided to you at no additional cost. Any damages to the frame during transit do not give the buyer a basis for a claim or validate a request for the cancellation of a sale.

Westcoast Fine Art is a trademark of Westcoast Fine Art Ltd. Registered in England and Wales No. 15030029.

Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

***Westcoast Fine Art is always willing to consider reasonable offers from prospective buyers. Please feel free to send us an inquiry regarding any proposal or offer; we will review and respond within 24 hours.

Note:

The buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and associated taxes in the destination country. All works will be professionally packed and insured for shipment.

Shipping:

Please contact for exact shipping charges before purchasing

1) UK shipping please request price

2) EU shipping please request price

3) For other worldwide shipping, please request price

We offer a 14-day return period to the EU and UK, provided the painting is returned in the same condition as received, packaged to the same packaging standards and insured at the price paid to Westcoast Fine Art Ltd for the artwork.

*The buyer is responsible for paying any customs charges of the destination country. We always advise the buyer to check with their local customs authorities for customs tariffs.

The frame is a gift and is therefore being provided to you at no additional cost. Any damages to the frame during transit do not give the buyer a basis for a claim or validate a request for the cancellation of a sale.

Westcoast Fine Art is a trademark of Westcoast Fine Art Ltd. Registered in England and Wales No. 15030029.

Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Description

Artist: Circle of Guido Reni, 17th Century Italian School

Title: Head and Shoulders Portrait of The Penitent

Mary Magdelene

Date: Late 17th Century

Provenance: From a private UK collection

Measurements 32cm x 30cm x 3cm and the painting measured at 25cm x 22cm

“

This stunning portrait is a beautiful example of an Old Master School portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene.

Westcoast Fine Art

It bears all the hallmarks of the Italian school of the 17th century, in particular the work of Guido Reni

fig 1. An oil painting depicting a head and shoulders portrait of a female figure looking upward, set within an ornate carved giltwood frame. — fig 1. Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)

The way artist has positioned the head of the figure and directed the gaze heavenward identifies the figure as the Penitent Mary Magdelene. Depicted in a pensive and melancholy state, this depiction of a repentant Mary Magdelene is one that is intended to invite contemplation and reflection as well as inspire greater spiritual devotion. The artist who executed the present work shows a great level of skill and talent.

fig 2. An oil painting depicting a head and shoulders portrait of a female figure looking upward, set within an ornate carved giltwood frame. — fig 2. Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)

The great 17th-centuy Italian painter Guido Reni was a master of the religious subject par excellence. He was celebrated during his lifetime for his graceful, classical style characterised by refined colours, soft modelling and a gentle emotional sensibility inspired by Raphael.

fig 3. An oil painting depicting a head and shoulders portrait of a female figure looking upward, set within an ornate carved giltwood frame. — fig 3. Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)

Through his studios, Reni fostered nearly 200 pupils, helping the artist establish a wide-ranging influence on the late Baroque period. Some of his most distinguished pupils included Simone Cantarini, called il Pesarese. Reni’s works now belong in the collections of the Louvre in Paris, the Prado Museum in Madrid, the National Gallery in London and major institutions around the world.

fig 4. An oil painting depicting a head and shoulders portrait of a female figure looking upward, set within an ornate carved giltwood frame. — fig 4. Head and Shoulders Portrait of the Penitent Mary Magdelene, Circle of Guido Reni (1575-1600)

Condition report. The paint surface is even and stable and the painting has undergone what appears as two periods of restoration. The original canvas is laid to board. There is craquelure throughout the paint surface and areas of retouching which are generally well blended.