This Romanticism painting depicts an oriental landscape with rocks, the sea is visible in the background. In the foreground is a monk praying at the cross. A lion is walking nearby. This painting is dedicated by the author, famous historical painter Lodovico Aureli ( (1816 - Bologna - 1865)  to the famous Christian legend of Saint Jerome and the lion. As it's known, Saint Jerome lived with his followers in Bethlehem (at the time Syria, Palestina, now Israel) an the author put this story into an oriental landscape. Full story about Jerome and Lion read under following link:

https://aleteia.org/2022/09/30/why-is-st-jerome-depicted-with-a-lion

The author of our painting Lodovico Aureli (1816-Bologna-1865) Italian historical painter and lithograph painted  altarpieces, historical themes and flower pieces. 1859 Professor at the Bolognese art school. Also successful as a lithographer, among other things, collaboration on the work Iconobiologia dei pìu eccelenti pittori d'Europa ..., Bo. 1846; Pin. pontificia bolognese ... by B.Rosaspina, Bo. 1857 etc. Worked with Anacleto Guadagnini, Alessandro Guardassoni and Pietro Suppini, among others.

Literature: Thieme/Becker, V.2,  1908. Meyer, KL II, 1878; Servolini, 1955 (with Lit.); Pavière, Flower III, 1964 ; Comanducci I, 1982. – Singer, BK XIII, 1934, 266 (No. 100688); Storia dell'arte ital. (Einaudi), II, part 1979, ill. 328; IX.2, T. 1981, Fig. 486 p.

Provenance: Italian private estate.

Inscription: signed L.Aureli lower lower left under figure of Jerome and indistinctly titled.

Technique: oil on canvas, original period gilt frame.

Measurements: unframed w 20" x h 13 1/2" (51 x 34,5 cm), framed 25 1/3" x 18 7/8" (64,5 x 48 cm).

Condition: very good, the canvas was professionally cleaned.