A Caravaggesque Artist Active In Naples During The First Half Of The 17th Century. "saint Jerome Writing"

A Caravaggesque artist active in Naples, first half of the 17th century. "Saint Jerome Writing." Oil on canvas, 121 x 98 cm. Framed. Roman private collection. This early 17th-century Italian painting, of remarkable pictorial quality, is an oil on canvas depicting Saint Jerome. Attributed to a painter influenced by Caravaggio and from the workshop of José de Ribera (1591-1652) in Naples, its authenticity remains uncertain. His style gave rise to a particular pictorial movement, tenebrism, characterized by an exaggerated, violent, and brutal representation of reality, accentuated by superficial, anatomical, and psychological details. Saint Jerome is shown in his study, with a powerful chiaroscuro effect that creates plasticity and volume, sculpting the saint's figure with light. All his characteristic iconographic symbols are present, such as the skull (memento mori) and the large book, representing his status as a Doctor of the Church and the first translator of the Bible into Latin. The saint is draped in a sumptuous purple cloth, while to his left, the galero, the cardinal's hat, is visible. The 20th-century frame is made of carved and gilded wood, richly ornamented. The painting has already been restored: relining, a new frame, and minor color corrections. It is in good overall condition. Dimensions: 121 cm high x 98 cm wide.