Artwork
St. Jerome in Penitence

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
















