17th century Flemish school. Lot n° 23

17th century Flemish school. "Saint Francis of Padua in prayer". Oil on canvas. Size: 39 x 56 cm; 56 x 74 cm (frame). Image of St. Francis of Paola in prayer in a steep grotto, together with other hermits who appear in the background. To the right of the saint rises a rocky surface that acts as a table, holding various objects: a crucifix, a skull, an hourglass (the latter two elements could be understood as an allusion to the passage of time) and a bowl, among others. This is a completely narrative scene, determined by the painter's skill, who portrays the figures with detail and precision. Francis of Paola (1416-1507) was an Italian hermit and founder of the Order of Minims. At a very young age he began his life as a hermit on the outskirts of his native town of Paula. Gradually he became famous for his wonders, and around 1450 there was already a group of followers around him. His community grew, and in 1470 the Congregation of Hermits (the future Order of Minims) received diocesan approval from the archbishop of Consenza. Four years later, Pope Sixtus IV granted them pontifical approval. In 1483, Francis of Paola went to France by order of the Pope and at the request of King Louis XI. There, he carried out some diplomatic work on behalf of the Holy See, while at the same time trying to obtain approval from the latter for a Rule for his congregation, which he finally obtained in 1493.