St. Jerome 1471

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted this fresco of St. Jerome. Immediately, your eye is drawn to the figure, whose gaunt frame and weathered skin are rendered in muted, earthy tones that emphasize his asceticism. The composition divides into distinct vertical planes framed by classical columns. These architectural elements, rendered with meticulous detail, contrast with the rough, almost raw depiction of the saint. The contrast of form speaks to the dual nature of Jerome’s life: his intellectual rigor as a scholar and translator of the Bible, and his physical dedication to the austere life of a hermit. Ghirlandaio employs a limited palette which creates a somber, contemplative mood. The lines are sharp and defined which gives structure to the composition. Note the formal relationship between the saint's frail body and the robust columns. The artist challenges the stability of meaning and values. In doing so, he presents us with a complex and compelling portrait of a man who straddled the material and spiritual worlds.