Extremely large symbolist painting with a naked martyr in a grotto was executed in the late 19th - early 20th century. It was purchased in 2020 on the sale of a German auction house as a work by uknown painter. The subject of this monumental work resembles the numerous images of the penitent Magdalena, holding a cross in her hand and being in a grotto by the sea. Due to our research, based on the subject, style, time of creation and dimensions of the painting we came to conclusion, that our work have all criteria to be attributed to the hand of Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach ( 1851 Hadamar - 1913 Capri), important German abstract painter, pacifist, reformer and symbolist.

Our painting was exhibited in the important exhibition " Maddalena. Il misterio e l‘immagine", Museum San Domenico, Forli, 27.03.22 - 10.07.2022. For illustration from the catalogue see our additional images.

Literature: in German: Lexicons by Saur and Thieme/Becker; on-line wikipedia; "Der Künstler Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach (1851 - 1913)" by Dr.Claudia Wagner, exhibition cataloquein the Villa Stuck, 2011; catalogue of museo of Diefenbach in Certosa St. Giacomo, Capri; Homepage of The Daulton Collection, Los Altos Hills, California (www.symbolismus.com).

Inscription: unsigned.

Technique: oil on canvas. Original period frame.

Measurements: unframed h 83 7/8" x w 48" (213 x 122 cm), framed h 89 3/8" x w 53 1/2" (227 x 136 cm).

Condition: in very good condition.