Italy / c. 1662–1664
Saint Paul the Hermit
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Saint Paul the Hermit as painting (Italy · c. 1662–1664).
Clothed only in a rough woven cloth, Paul's suffering drew him spiritually closer to Christ.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Mattia Preti (Italian, 1613–1699).
The museum's collection notes: 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
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSaint Paul the HermitOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.