Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652), Follower of - Saint Jerome, Penitent Hieronymus

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This evocative 17th-century rendering of the Penitent Hieronymus unfolds in the dramatic, shadow-laden atmosphere that defined the artistic world of Jusepe de Ribera, the Spanish-born master who rose to prominence in Naples. Known as Lo Spagnoletto, Ribera built his reputation on portraying saints, philosophers, and hermits not as idealised figures, but as weathered and deeply human—men marked by age, devotion, and struggle.

This particular painting captures that spirit with remarkable force. Saint Jerome emerges from a dark, earthy background, his bare shoulder illuminated by a sharp, golden light that cuts across the canvas. His furrowed brow, gaunt cheeks, and searching gaze speak to a lifetime of contemplation and repentance. The artist’s handling of light—bold, sculptural, and unflinching—echoes the Tenebrist language Ribera absorbed from Caravaggio and made unmistakably his own. The rough textures, anatomical realism, and emotional intensity align closely with works produced within Ribera’s circle, whose members were deeply influenced by his uncompromising naturalism.

Ribera spent most of his career in Naples, then under Spanish rule, where he became one of the leading voices of the Neapolitan Baroque. His paintings and prints were celebrated across Europe for their psychological depth and raw physicality. This work, with its palpable sense of ascetic endurance and its vivid portrayal of the saint’s inner turmoil, stands firmly within that tradition.

A compelling and atmospheric example from the school of one of the 17th century’s most influential painters, this Penitent Hieronymus offers both devotional gravitas and the dramatic pictorial power that made Ribera’s name synonymous with Baroque intensity.

⦿ Dimensions (approx.): 59 x 64 cm (artwork), 71,5 x 80 cm (incl. frame/total).
⦿ Condition: Exhibits an authentic patina of age (see pictures). Old varnish, craquelure, historical wax relined.
⦿ Estimated Period: 17th century
⦿ Note: The frame is included as a complimentary gift and should be regarded as such
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