Dorotheum Rediscovered painting by Titian Old Master Paintings 11 May
Feb 6, 2026
Mark MacDonnell, Old Master Paintings specialist at Dorotheum, outlines the provenance of the Orléans Magdalen by Titian. Recently rediscovered, the Penitent Magdalen was Titian’s most successful and most frequently commissioned subject. He fully explored both the emotional and sensual potential of the image, earning the Magdalen the popularity she enjoyed amongst his contemporaries and beyond. The painting is the highlight of Dorotheum’s Old Master Paintings sale on 11th May 2022 and will be on view at Dorotheum in Vienna from 30th April 2022.
This painting of the Penitent Magdalene by Titian
was one of his most successful compositions
and most frequently requested subjects.
The Penitent Magdalene was obviously a sensual image
but also an image full of redemption
and the positioning of the skull as a memento mori
gives the impression that this is a work to be contemplated.
There is no redemption without temptation.
There are several versions of this work
including one in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg
and another in the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
And there is significant variance from the other version
which can be seen in the drapery on the shawl
and the positioning of the vase elsewhere.
And we know that this version, which was lost for 150 years
was recorded in a print when it was in the collection
of the Orléans in the Palais Royal in Paris.
We know that it was acquired from Christina of Sweden.
Christina of Sweden was one of the 17th century's
most flamboyant and interesting figures
and at the end of the Thirty Years' War
sent her troops to Prague to sack the collection of Rudolf II
and it is possible that this painting was once in his collection
and came to Christina from Prague to Stockholm
before she abdicated.
After her conversion to Catholicism
she prudently sent her collection of paintings to Antwerp
and then on to Rome
where she was received with great celebration
by the Pope and the Catholic Church
as a significant convert
in a period of intense religious rivalry.
This painting has a distinguished and interesting provenance
and it will be offered for sale on the 11th of May.