Description
The painting St Francis of Paola by Jusepe De Ribera is a Spanish Baroque masterpiece that stands out for its dramatic composition and masterful technique. In it, the artist represents the holy founder of the Minims order, a highly revered religious figure at the time, in a moment of mystical ecstasy.
The figure of San Francisco de Paula is in the center of the composition, kneeling on a rock and with his arms outstretched towards the sky. Behind him, a rocky and rugged landscape can be seen, with a rough sea on the horizon. The light, which comes from the right, illuminates the saint's face and creates a chiaroscuro effect that enhances his figure.
Ribera's artistic style is characterized by its realism and emotional intensity. In this work, the artist uses a loose and gestural brushstroke technique, which allows him to create a sensation of movement and dynamism in the figure of the saint. In addition, the use of dark and earthy colors contributes to creating an atmosphere of sobriety and spirituality.
The history of the painting is interesting, since it is known that it was commissioned by the Duke of Medina de las Torres in 1645 for his private chapel in Seville. Subsequently, the work became part of the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is currently located.
One of the lesser known aspects of this painting is that Ribera used his own image as a model to represent the saint. It is believed that the artist identified with the figure of San Francisco de Paula, since both were of Italian origin and had emigrated to Spain in search of better opportunities.
In short, the painting St Francis of Paola by Jusepe De Ribera is a work of great artistic and historical value, which stands out for its masterful technique and emotional intensity. Its dramatic composition and its use of chiaroscuro make it one of the most emblematic works of the Spanish Baroque.