Saint Jerome in the Wilderness 1465 - 1475

Antonio Rossellino carved this marble relief of Saint Jerome in the Wilderness in Florence in the mid-fifteenth century. It embodies the humanist culture of Renaissance Florence. The work depicts Jerome, a Doctor of the Church, renouncing worldly comforts in favor of religious devotion. The fine carving and classical composition reflect the influence of ancient Roman art. The iconography, from the penitent saint to the crucifix and skull, speaks to the power of the Church. The image, however, reveals the developing social function of art: commissioned by wealthy patrons for private devotion, these artworks gave prestige to their owners. Understanding an artwork like this involves exploring how artists, patrons, and institutions shaped its production and reception. By researching these historical and cultural contexts, we can better appreciate the complex meanings embedded within. Ultimately, this helps us understand the intertwined relationship between art and society.