Saint Paul the Hermit

c. 1662–1664

Mattia Preti

(Italian, 1613–1699)

Culture

Italy, 17th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 121 x 94 x 8 cm (47 5/8 x 37 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 103 x 76.2 cm (40 9/16 x 30 in.)

Credit Line

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1969.109

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Location

217 Italian Baroque

Did You Know?

Clothed only in a rough woven cloth, Paul's suffering drew him spiritually closer to Christ.

Description

After training in Rome in the 1630s and 1640s, Preti went to Naples where he continued working in a mode inspired by the work of Caravaggio. In this painting, dramatic lighting and intense naturalism depict the intersection of the heavenly and earthly realms. According to Catholic tradition, Saint Paul the Hermit fled into the desert to escape persecution from the Romans in the third century, and is revered as the first of many hermit saints. A raven brought Saint Paul a half a loaf of bread daily, which enabled him to survive to the age of 113 years. Preti depicted the saint looking heavenward in appreciation and awe of his heavenly provider.