An evocative 17th-century oil painting on copper, depicting St. Jerome in penitence, mounted within an intricately carved wooden frame. The saint is shown in deep meditation, gazing toward a crucifix while striking his chest with a stone, symbolising his ascetic devotion.
Surrounding attributes include:
Books, representing his role as a scholar and translator of the Bible.
A skull and hourglass, serving as memento mori, reminders of mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
A cardinal’s hat, included in later depictions of Jerome to signify his connection to the papacy and recognition as a Doctor of the Church.
This painting encapsulates the intellectual and spiritual legacy of St. Jerome, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians.
Historical Context – St. Jerome (c. 347–420 AD)
St. Jerome, also known as Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius, was a Christian scholar, priest, and theologian, best remembered for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. Completed around 405 AD, the Vulgate became the standard version of the Bible in the Western Church for over a thousand years.
Symbols in this work reflect his life and theology:
The stone: penance and asceticism during his desert retreat.
The crucifix: devotion to Christ.
The hourglass: urgency of spiritual pursuit.
Books: scholarly contributions.
The skull: mortality and spiritual preparedness.
Dimensions
Painting (unframed): 15 × 13 cm
With frame: 34.5 × 32 cm
Weight: 1,455 g
Condition Report
Painting: Some paint loss and fading in areas, consistent with age.
Frame: Wooden frame with visible chips and areas of loss.
Overall: Despite age-related imperfections, the scene of St. Jerome remains clear and retains its devotional intensity.
An evocative 17th-century oil painting on copper, depicting St. Jerome in penitence, mounted within an intricately carved wooden frame. The saint is shown in deep meditation, gazing toward a crucifix while striking his chest with a stone, symbolising his ascetic devotion.
Surrounding attributes include:
Books, representing his role as a scholar and translator of the Bible.
A skull and hourglass, serving as memento mori, reminders of mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
A cardinal’s hat, included in later depictions of Jerome to signify his connection to the papacy and recognition as a Doctor of the Church.
This painting encapsulates the intellectual and spiritual legacy of St. Jerome, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians.
Historical Context – St. Jerome (c. 347–420 AD)
St. Jerome, also known as Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius, was a Christian scholar, priest, and theologian, best remembered for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. Completed around 405 AD, the Vulgate became the standard version of the Bible in the Western Church for over a thousand years.
Symbols in this work reflect his life and theology:
The stone: penance and asceticism during his desert retreat.
The crucifix: devotion to Christ.
The hourglass: urgency of spiritual pursuit.
Books: scholarly contributions.
The skull: mortality and spiritual preparedness.
Dimensions
Painting (unframed): 15 × 13 cm
With frame: 34.5 × 32 cm
Weight: 1,455 g
Condition Report
Painting: Some paint loss and fading in areas, consistent with age.
Frame: Wooden frame with visible chips and areas of loss.
Overall: Despite age-related imperfections, the scene of St. Jerome remains clear and retains its devotional intensity.
