This was one of two paintings by Carlo Dolci commissioned by Sir John Finch, English Resident at the Medici court in Florence. It was given to Charles II and ‘hung in the King's own bedroom’, while the companion painting of the penitent Magdalen was given to his devout Catholic queen, Catherine of Braganza. The refined technique and meticulous attention to detail seen here are characteristic of Dolci's work.

Commissioned by Sir John Finch, English Resident at the court of Grand Duke Ferdinand II of Tuscany, and presented to Charles II.

Cat. 70