Penitent St. Jerome 1424

Fra Angelico rendered this panel painting of Saint Jerome, likely in the 1420s to 1430s, using tempera on wood. Angelico worked during the early Renaissance, when artists were developing new ideas about representing human form and emotion. Here, Jerome is depicted as an ascetic, removed from society and atoning for his sins in the desert. This was a period when the church held considerable power, influencing not only religious life but also cultural and artistic expression. Yet, Jerome’s state of penance is a stark contrast to the opulence of the church at the time. We see Jerome as both a scholar and a man seeking redemption. Angelico captures this conflict, presenting Jerome as a learned figure who is also deeply aware of his own imperfections. Consider your own feelings about these conflicting identities and how they resonate within you. Angelico offers us a view of a man grappling with his own humanity. His image pushes us to reflect on our own personal journeys.