Carlo Dolci (Florence 1616-86) - The Penitent Magdalen - RCIN 405546 - Royal Collection

Carlo Dolci was an Italian Baroque painter known for his highly detailed and emotionally expressive religious paintings. He was born in Florence in 1616 and spent most of his life in the city, where he became one of the leading painters of the Florentine Baroque movement. Dolci's paintings often depicted religious subjects, such as the Virgin Mary, Christ and various saints, and he was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey deep emotion in his works. His paintings were highly sought after by collectors and patrons, and he gained a reputation for his skilful use of light and shadow to create dramatic and powerful compositions. Despite his success during his lifetime, Dolci's work fell out of favour in the centuries after his death, as the Baroque style gave way to other artistic movements. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in Dolci's work, and his paintings are once again being appreciated for their technical skill and emotional impact.