St. Jerome in the Wilderness 1495

Cima da Conegliano painted "St. Jerome in the Wilderness," using oil on panel sometime around the late 15th to early 16th century. The image shows a gendered and racialized asceticism, characteristic of its time. Jerome was of Illyrian descent, but is depicted here as a white, European man. Representations of holy figures such as Jerome, became synonymous with European ideals, a standard that persists in art and culture. Jerome’s gaunt physique and the barren landscape speaks to the themes of sacrifice and redemption. This resonates with the socio-political environment of the time, where religious piety was often associated with self-denial and physical suffering. Look at the placement of the crucifix and Jerome's gaze upwards which emphasizes spiritual contemplation and divine connection. Conegliano invites us to reflect on our own emotional and spiritual journeys. Ultimately, "St. Jerome in the Wilderness" serves as a cultural artifact that underscores the entwined narratives of identity, faith, and power.