17th century AD. A canvas oil painting depicting the face and praying hands of Mary, her expression doleful with downcast eyes and pursed mouth, clothed in a white palla with yellow trim and a blue robe with red trim; executed in sombre colours and with emphasis on the Virgin's sad and thoughtful facial expression; originally thought to be from the school of Guido Reni (1575-1682); now thought to be a copy of 'The Virgin at Prayer' by Sassoferrato, a version of which is in the National Gallery, London. 689 grams, 60 x 42.5cm (23 1/2 x 16 3/4"). Property of an European collector living in Mexico; part of her family's collection since 1965; accompanied by an original notice about the 'Rene' from an Italian Chamber of Commerce dated 7 November 1818, and a full translation of the document; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10852-178263. Guido Reni was an Italian painter of religious works in the Baroque period. He painted mainly religious, mythological and allegorical subjects and became a key figure in the Bolognese School under the influence of Ludovico Carracci and his cousin Annibale. They joined forces to promote the arts in Bologna, and Reni undertook several commissions. However, relations with his patrons deteriorated by 1598, due to an argument with Ludovico Carracci over work undertaken for which he did not receive payment. Reni then made his first prints commemorating Pope Clement VIII's visit to Bologna in 1598. He travelled widely in Italy and was commissioned for several important projects, including portraits, although he always returned to the religious (mainly biblical) subjects which were his main inspiration. After a long and successful career, Reni's lasting legacy was the school he established which went on to influence Baroque period painting in Italy and beyond. His work has been much admired and used as a source of inspiration, especially in France.