Follower of José de Ribera; 17th century.

Spanish or Italian school, follower of JOSÉ DE RIBERA (Xátiva, Valencia, 1591 - Naples, 1652); XVII century.
"St. Francis of Paula.
Oil on canvas.
It has a frame of the nineteenth century.
Measurements: 48 x 36 cm; 73 x 61 cm (frame).
The light contrast generated by the artist in this image through a completely dark background on which emerges the golden and worn skin of the old San Francisco de Paula. The aesthetic influence of José Ribera is evident. It is a work perfectly framed within the naturalistic baroque, heir of José de Ribera, starring a totally earthly man, with a face far from any idealization. San Francisco de Paula is presented as a real person, with personalized features typical of the individualized study, furrowed by deep wrinkles. As usual within the naturalistic baroque, the composition is simple and clear, with the character in the foreground against a neutral and dark background that enhances his physical presence. Apart from the human model and this composition, the lighting is also clearly naturalistic, a tenebrism derived directly from Ribera.
Saint Francis of Paola an Italian hermit, founder of the Order of the Minims. Very young he began his life as a hermit in the outskirts of his native town, Paula. Gradually he became famous for his wonders, and around 1450 there was already a group of followers around his figure. His community grew, and in 1470 the Congregation of Hermits (the future Order of Minims) received diocesan approval from the Archbishop of Consenza. Four years later, Pope Sixtus IV granted them pontifical approval. In 1483 Francis of Paola went to France by order of the Pope and at the request of King Louis XI. There he developed some diplomatic work in favor of the Holy See, at the same time that he tried to obtain the approval of a Rule for his congregation, which he finally obtained in 1493.