Mid-17th-century Neapolitan School, Saint Jerome in Penitence - Antique Oil Painting

This remarkable mid-17th-century oil painting, which probably originated in the Naples region of Italy, depicts Saint Jerome in penitence with a skull and sleeping lion. It’s reminiscent of compositions by Spanish artist Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652).

Born in Stridon, Dalmatia, Saint Jerome (342-420) is celebrated both for his translation of the Bible into Latin, and his rigorous spiritual discipline. As a young man, he undertook a gruelling period of self-denial while living as a hermit in the Syrian desert with ‘only the scorpions and the wild beasts for company’. In an effort to abandon all worldly desires, he practiced ‘self-mortification’ by repeatedly striking his chest with a stone and a knotted piece of rope. His story became particularly pertinent during the Counter Reformation.

Here, he’s shown with various symbols relating to his time in isolation, including a skull, representing the mortality of mankind, a book, as a reference to his scholarly activities, and a lion, which became a loyal companion when he removed a thorn from its paw. The index finger on his right hand is firmly planted on the skull, which is an uncommon inclusion and reminiscent of Albrecht Dürer’s (1471-1528) ‘Saint Jerome in His Study’.

The vivid contrast of light and shade, which adds a sense of poignancy, is a technique known as ‘Tenebrism’. Caravaggio (1571-1610), who inspired numerous followers in Naples, was instrumental in its wider adoption.

As mentioned above, our artist was also influenced by Jusepe de Ribera who produced numerous compositions depicting Saint Jerome in penitence. It’s interesting to compare his work, simply titled ‘Saint Jerome’ (1618-1625), which is in the collection at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Ribera’s style was highly sought after in Naples, which was under Spanish control during the 17th century.

The accomplished draughtsmanship, coupled with the artist’s intelligent use of tenebrist principles, leads one to the conclusion that this represents a significant work from the period.

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 18” x 21” / 46cm x 54cm

Year of creation: c. 1640

Provenance: Private collection, South Germany.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Later stretcher. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.

Our reference: BRV2139