Italian school of the 18th century

Italian school of the 18th century.
"Penitent Magdalene".
Oil on copper.
Needs restoration.
Measurements: 24 x 18 cm; 31 x 25 cm (frame).

In this painting, probably intended for private devotion since it is an oil on copper, Mary Magdalene is represented meditating before the Holy Scriptures, a skull and a crucifix, repenting for her sins. The knob of essences, her main attribute, is also represented in the composition.
Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the New Testament as a distinguished disciple of Christ. According to the Gospels, she housed and materially provided for Jesus and his disciples during their stay in Galilee, and was present at the Crucifixion. She was a witness of 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, so her main iconographic attribute is a knob of essences, like the one shown here. In solitary, Mary Magdalene is usually represented as we see here, doing penance in the desert, repentant of her past sins, meditating on the Holy Scriptures. 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.