Pisi was an Italian artist active in the 19th Century. Although much of his personal history remains undocumented. Examination of his artworks suggests he received formal academic training. And was heavily influenced by the masters of the Italian Renaissance. It is known that he resided in or visited Florence, Italy during his lifetime.
One of Pisi’s notable works is a painting titled ‘Mary Magdalene. Which is a reproduction of Pietro Perugino’s original portrait of the same name. Perugino’s original artwork was created around 1500 housed in the Galleria Palatina in Florence. This painting has been part of the gallery’s collection since 1641. Over the years the attribution of the original portrait underwent several changes. It was eventually credited to Pietro Perugino. An acclaimed Italian Renaissance painter and the teacher of Raphael. Who was often referred to as the “divine painter” by Giovanni Santi Raphael’s father.
Pisi’s rendition of ‘Mary Magdalene’ faithfully reproduces Perugino’s portrayal. The painting depicts the biblical figure Mary Magdalene a fact confirmed by the golden inscription. Perugino’s rendition is distinctive as it deviates from the traditional depictions of the penitent Magdalene. Mary Magdalene is shown wearing a fashionable dress adorned with fur. The colors of the dress carry symbolic meaning, with red representing love and green representing penitence. Perugino skillfully renders her face with a smooth and delicate complexion, adding to the portrait’s overall elegance.
In Paris, there is a painting of Mary Magdalene that was purchased by a French art collector while traveling. Subsequently, both French and Italian experts verified it as the creation of Raphael, the renowned architect and painter from the Renaissance era. This masterpiece dates back to the year 1505 when Raphael met Leonardo da Vinci. The painting was acquired by a London gallery for 35,000 euros.