Saint Jerome in Meditation 1606

Caravaggio's "Saint Jerome in Meditation" is a striking example of Baroque realism, showcasing the artist's signature use of chiaroscuro, dramatic lighting, and a focus on the human form. The painting depicts Saint Jerome, a 4th-century scholar, in a moment of introspection, his head bowed in contemplation, a skull at his feet serving as a memento mori. This composition, with its stark contrasts and intense emotionality, speaks to the spiritual struggle and mortality of the human condition, further highlighting Caravaggio's mastery of depicting intense psychological states. The painting resides in the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Spain.