St. Jerome 1644

Jusepe de Ribera's 1644 painting "St. Jerome" depicts the saint in a moment of contemplation, his gaze directed upwards. The painting is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, which emphasizes the gaunt and emaciated form of the saint. Ribera’s signature naturalistic style is evident in the detailed depiction of St. Jerome’s anatomy, which is a testament to his study of the human body. A human skull, a symbol of mortality, rests at the saint’s feet, further emphasizing the theme of mortality and the fragility of life. The painting's intense realism and dramatic composition make it a powerful and evocative depiction of one of the most important figures in Christian tradition.