Lot 393: Vicente Vitoria Denia 1650 - 1712 Rome , The penitent Magdalene

signed and dated on the reverse: V s Canonicus Vitoria. F. 1690 oil on canvas, unlined, unframed

measurements note 50 by 65 cm.; 19 3/4 by 25 1/2 in.

Born in Valencia to noble parentage, Vicente Vitoria started his career studying theology, philosophy and literature before becoming a pupil of Carlo Maratta, whose influence can clearly be seen in the present work. During the mid 1670's he was active in Florence as the court painter to Grand Duke Cosimo III de'Medici. In 1687 he was appointed the Canon of Xàtiva in Valencia and left the court of Florence to pursue a career in his native country. Perhaps his most important commission in Spain were his frescoes depicting the Life of Saint Peter for the Capilla del Sagrario in Valenica Cathedral. He was to return to Italy in 1698 at the twilight of his career where was to be the conservator of the Pope's collections in Rome.