St. Jerome 1472

Antonello da Messina's "St. Jerome" (1472) depicts the saint in a contemplative pose, reading a book. The painting, executed in tempera on wood, displays a sharp focus on detail, particularly in the rendering of St. Jerome's face and the folds of his red robe. The realistic portrayal of St. Jerome, often depicted in the context of his scholarly pursuits, emphasizes his role as a pillar of faith and knowledge. This painting is a quintessential example of Antonello's mastery of oil painting techniques, a style he pioneered in the early Italian Renaissance.