Antique oil on canvas depicting Mary Magdalene, Italian school of the 18th century

An antique oil on canvas depicting Mary Magdalene (often portrayed as a penitent hermit, meditating on life and death) with a skull (memento mori, a common symbol in Christian iconography, recalling mortality and the vanity of earthly possessions). This work appears to be a preparatory study for a larger piece or an object of private devotion. Excellent pictorial quality. Period: First half of the 18th century, Italian school. Cleaned approximately 15 years ago, without significant paint restoration. Dimensions: 25 cm X 25 cm.