The Penitent Magdalen

The present work reflects the influence of Francesco Solimena whose studio de Mura joined in 1708. Though datable to the early 18th century, it shows him returning to the solemnity and severe tenebrism which characterizes Solimena's work from circa 1690-1730 (see, for instance, Solimena's The Flight into Egypt sold at Sotheby's, London, Dec. 11, 1996, lot 44 (£25,000) dated to circa 1728).

The attribution has been confirmed in private correspondence from Dr. Nicola Spinosa.