It is as if we were dealing with the same profile, this time reversed. As we have recently stated, Nicolas Loir’s originality stems from his ability to make numerous variations from a single subject (see Fr. Marandet, « Nicolas Loir (1624-1679) : œuvres inédites et classements erronés », Bulletin du Musée hongrois des Beaux-arts, Budapest, 2020, n° 125, p. 127-150). He did not solely represent The Holy Family repeatedly, which was commonplace at the time. The Finding of Moses and Eliezer and Rebecca also became the opportunity for the artist to create many variations. Unsurprinsigly, Nicolas Loir painted many variations of the subject of the Penitent Magdalen. In addition to our composition, one should mention that The Penitent Magdalene has just been bought by the Musée Bossuet in Meaux and a third example that was on the Italian art market a few years ago. Let us also note that a workshop copy of our Penitent Magdalene was recently on the art market (sale Rodez, Hôtel des Ventes, 30 April, 2024, lot 427, as "Follower of Titian").