A youthful painting by Raphael, titled "Maria Maddalena in Prayer," was sold at auction today, January 6, 2025, by Sotheby's in New York for over $3 million, slightly exceeding the starting estimate. The work, created around 1503 when the artist was about 20 years old, measures 38 by 13 centimeters and is painted on both sides. On the back, it features a marbled surface with fingerprints attributed to Raphael, who is believed to have used his fingertips to create similar effects in other works of the period, such as the "Mond Crucifixion" held at the National Gallery in London.
The painting, previously sold by Christie's in 2000 for $611,000, was then identified as "Saint Mary of Egypt." It is believed that "Maddalena Pentita" was part of a small triptych intended for private devotion, along with a "Saint Catherine of Alexandria" currently on display at the National Gallery of the Marche in Urbino.
This sale highlights the importance of Raphael's early works and the continued interest in Italian Renaissance masterpieces in the contemporary art market.