The Temptation of Saint Jerome 1541 - 1548

Giorgio Vasari's "The Temptation of Saint Jerome" (1541-1548) depicts the famed scholar and saint battling temptation in the form of a beautiful woman. This Italian Renaissance painting, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Vasari's masterful handling of light and shadow, and his ability to capture the drama and turmoil of a spiritual struggle. The scene is set in a lush landscape, with a distant view of a lake, while a lion, traditionally associated with Jerome, watches from the foreground. This work highlights the enduring themes of faith, temptation, and the power of the human spirit.