The first finely painted after Pompeo Batoni with the recumbent Mary in blue studying the scriptures, resting on a skull, within a grotto; the second finely painted with four men crowding round a table, throwing dice

6¹⁄₄ in. (15.7 cm.) high, 9 in. (22.8 cm.) wide, excluding the gilt wooden frame (the first)
5¹⁄₄ in. (13.2 cm.) high, 7³⁄₄ in. (19.6 cm.) wide, excluding the giltwood frame (the second)

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Lot Essay

The original painting by Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787) of the Penitent Magdalene was destroyed during World War II in the bombing of Dresden, 1945. The importance of the original and the beauty of the subject live on in 19th century tributes like the example in the present lot.