The Penitent St. Jerome 1614 - 1656

Francisco Collantes made this oil painting of The Penitent St. Jerome sometime in the first half of the 17th century. There’s a real rawness to the way that Collantes has handled the oil paint here. Note the strong contrast between light and shadow, and the textures of the saint’s skin and beard. Look at how the paint seems to have been applied in layers, almost like he was building up a sculpture. While the artwork might appear to be a traditional religious painting, it is also deeply rooted in the material world. Consider the labor involved in producing such a large-scale artwork, from grinding pigments to preparing the canvas. The brushstrokes and the colors reflect the artist’s skill, but also the physical effort required to bring the image to life. The material is the message, as Collantes encourages the viewer to reflect not only on the spiritual realm, but on the earthly realities of labor, craft, and human effort.