Artwork

St. Jerome in Penitence

St. Jerome in Penitence, by Ferdinand Bol, 1644
St. Jerome in Penitence, by Ferdinand Bol, 1644

St. Jerome in Penitence is a print by the Baroque artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

About this work

Overview

St. Jerome in Penitence is a 1644 print by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol, depicting a solitary figure in a contemplative state, characterized by dramatic lighting and somber atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Saint Jerome, a penitent figure common in 17th-century religious art, here portrayed in humble, reflective attire, emphasizing his devotional state through posture and expression.

Technique & Style

Bol employed chiaroscuro, with deep shadows and strong contrasts, to create drama. Light accents on the figure's face and hands heighten the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1644 by Ferdinand Bol, a pupil of Rembrandt, reflecting his master's influence in composition and use of light. Currently part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Reflects 17th-century Dutch artistic tendencies, blending religious themes with the dramatic lighting characteristic of the period, influenced by Bol's apprenticeship under Rembrandt.

Legacy

While not individually renowned, it contributes to the broader understanding of Bol's stylistic development under Rembrandt's tutelage and the enduring depiction of Saint Jerome in art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Bol

Artist

Ferdinand Bol

Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.