Saint Jerome 1440s

"Saint Jerome" is a small-scale painting by the Venetian artist Antonio Vivarini, dating from the 1440s. The work depicts Saint Jerome, a Church Father and scholar, in a traditional pose with his cardinal's robes, holding a book and standing near a lion. The lion, which is often associated with Jerome, was said to have been healed by him. The painting's small size suggests it was intended for private devotion, reflecting the growing popularity of personal religious images in the Early Renaissance. The painting showcases Vivarini's mastery of detail and his skill in capturing the solemnity and reverence associated with religious figures.