Spanish or Italian school of the 17th century

Spanish or Italian school of the XVII century.
"St. Jerome penitent".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
With faults and Repainting.
Measurements: 192 x 141 cm; 194 x 144 cm (frame).
In this canvas the theme of St. Jerome penitent in the desert is approached through a baroque and open composition. The saint appears full-length, highlighted by the contrasting lighting. Although it is not accurately appreciated due to the darkness of the work, he is located in a wooded environment. Returning to the center of the scene, it is worth noting the saint's posture, concentrated as he gazes at the crucifix he holds in his left hand, next to a table on which rests a skull. Next to him, the lion's head alludes to an episode of The Golden Legend. It narrates that one day, when he was explaining the Bible to the monks in his convent, Jerome saw a lion coming with a limp. He removed the thorn from its paw, and from then on he kept it in his service, instructing it to take care of his donkey while it grazed. Some merchants stole the donkey, and the lion recovered it, returning it to the saint without hurting the animal. The influence of Sebastián Martínez Domedel can be seen in the way the subject is resolved.