Saint Jerome 1473

Carlo Crivelli painted this tempera on panel image of Saint Jerome in the late fifteenth century. It's interesting to consider the public role that images such as these had at that time, which was to provide a focus for worship and contemplation. Saint Jerome was commissioned at a time when religious institutions were central to social life in Italy. Looking at the architectural models held by the saint, we see a visual code that links religious authority with earthly power. These symbols reference the geographical, political and economic structures that shaped the culture of the time. This blend of religious devotion and worldly ambition reflects the complex relationship between the Church and society in Renaissance Italy. As historians, understanding these artworks involves exploring a range of resources, from theological texts to economic records. This helps us to understand not only the artistic achievement, but also the social and institutional contexts in which it was created.