1440 - Saint Jerome in Prayer, Italian Bolognese School, 17th century

Saint Jerome in Prayer, Italian Bolognese School, 17th century The figure of Saint Jerome is iconographically very rich and widely depicted in all styles of Christian art and across various techniques and formats. Among these depictions, his stay in the cave of Bethlehem, writing in his study, and the episode of his scourging by the angels are the most frequently depicted. In this composition, with distinct tenebrist features reminiscent of the Valencian school of Orrente, we see a crucifix, the Bible, and the skull that the saint is gazing at. Baroque painting and sculpture feature this iconographic theme quite extensively. Finally, to his left, the lion, which embodies the legend of the saint’s journey through the desert. According to the legend, while the saint was near the Jordan River, he saw a lion limping toward him because a thorn was lodged in one of its legs. Saint Jerome calmed the lion, removed the thorn, and healed its leg. The lion was so pleased and grateful that it never left him again, but served him, and when Jerome died, it lay down on his grave and starved itself to death. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.