Antonio Maria Marini (1668–1725) — Saint Jerome In A Landscape

Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 74 x 58 cm
Possible monogram "A" in the lower left corner.

This painting depicts Saint Jerome in prayer, kneeling before a crucifix and an open book, accompanied by a skull symbolizing meditation on death and the vanity of earthly life. On the left, a lion on a hill evokes the legend in which the saint heals a wounded lion. The scene unfolds in a rocky, meditative landscape beneath a cloudy sky, where the contrasts of light and shadow accentuate the spiritual and introspective atmosphere. The wild landscape, marked by imposing rock formations, reflects the late Baroque aesthetic, in which nature amplifies the divine character of sacred figures. The artist’s loose brushwork is particularly expressive in the textures of the rocks and clouds, lending dynamism and depth to the composition.

An old label on the back reads “painted by Rembrandt (Original) in 1669,” along with references such as “Duke of Aumale” and the number 112, suggesting a prestigious provenance, possibly linked to the Duke of Aumale’s collection, part of which is now housed at the Musée Condé in Chantilly.