Caravaggio's Missing Mary Magdalene Found in Private Collection

ARTNET NEWS
By Lorena Muñoz-Alonso

Caravaggio, Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy (1606). Photo via: The Guardian

ITALY---The long-lost original version of Caravaggio's "Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy" has been identified by one of the foremost experts on the artist, the Independent reports. According to the Guardian, the lucky owners, who live in an unspecified European country, contacted Gregori earlier this year, as they suspected the painting might be a Caravaggio but were unable to read the note on its back. Gregori deciphered the text, written in 17th century-era handwriting, which says the painting was a commission by one of Caravaggio's most important patrons: Cardinal Scipione Borghese of Rome.  Caravaggio is thought to have painted Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy in 1606, shortly after fleeing Rome, following his conviction for murder. [link]