Classicist school of the 17th century. Circle of ANNIBALE CARRACCI (Bologna, 1560 - Rome, 1609). "Penitent Magdalene". Oil on canvas. Relined. With restorations. Size: 100 x 74 cm; 134 x 99 cm (frame). We could say that this work belongs to the Roman school of the XVII century, close to the classicist works that were postulated at that time in the city, following the model of painters like the Caracci. Mary Magdalene is depicted praying inside a cave, before a crucifix and an ointment, holding a skull in her hands and raising her gaze towards the divine light that enters the room from the upper right-hand corner. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the New Testament as a distinguished disciple of Christ. According to the Gospels, she housed and provided materially for Jesus and his disciples during their stay in Galilee, and was present at the Crucifixion. She was a witness to the Resurrection, as well as the one in charge of transmitting the news to the apostles. She is also identified with the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with perfumes before his arrival in Jerusalem, which is why her main iconographic attribute is a knob of essences, like the one shown here. Alone, Mary Magdalene is usually depicted as she is here, doing penance in the desert, repentant for her past sins. The story of this saint serves as an example of Christ`s forgiveness, and conveys the message of the possibility of redemption of the soul through repentance and faith.