Italian painter of the second half of the 17th century, Miserere Mei Deus, Italian painter of the second half of the 17th century, Miserere Mei Deus

122.5 x 93 cm

In the dark, stately interior with fluted columns is a three-quarter length portrait of a man in dark blue robes and hat, holding in his right hand a skull, a broom and a piece of paper on which can be read the words "MISERERE MEI DEUS:" (Have mercy on me God) and in the lower margin, “Psalm 50.” A bearded man bows his head slightly and turns his moist, shining eyes to heaven, imploring God's mercy. His left arm is stretched forward, and a golden crown can be seen on the shelf below. In the background lies a stringed musical instrument decorated with a golden lion's head. A sensitive painting in moderate colors in which the face, arms and objects in the hand are emphasized by the use of light.
Oil on canvas.
122.5 x 93 cm