Who painted Saint Jerome in His Study?

Saint Jerome in His Study was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1521.

Where can I see Saint Jerome in His Study?

Saint Jerome in His Study is held by National Museum of Ancient Art.

What movement is Saint Jerome in His Study?

Saint Jerome in His Study is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint Jerome in His Study?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Jerome in His Study are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint Jerome in His Study

Albrecht Dürer , 1521

Saint Jerome in His Study is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s oil on panel, dated March 1521, depicts Saint Jerome seated in a modest study. The work resides in Lisbon’s Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga. The composition centers on an elderly scholar, his white beard and red robe contrasting with a muted green backdrop, while a wooden frame borders the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The figure represents Saint Jerome, traditionally shown in contemplation of biblical translation. He rests his right hand on his head and points downward with his left, suggesting a moment of scholarly focus. An open book lies before him, reinforcing his role as a translator and theologian.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs chiaroscuro to model the saint’s face and garments, creating a realistic play of light and shadow. Fine detailing renders the texture of the red robe, gray hat, and the wooden frame, while the green background recedes, enhancing the three‑dimensional effect.

History & Provenance

Completed in early 1521, the painting entered the collection of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Lisbon, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Dürer is well established, linking the work to the artist’s late period of religious commissions.