Artwork
Der heilige Hieronymus
Der heilige Hieronymus is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Gerard David. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1505, *Der heilige Hieronymus* is an oil painting by the Early Netherlandish artist Gerard David. Executed during the height of the Northern Renaissance, the work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin and exemplifies David’s mature period.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents Saint Jerome, a common theme in devotional art, shown in a contemplative pose with his customary attributes. The saint’s scholarly reputation and ascetic life are evoked through the inclusion of a book and a lion, symbols traditionally linked to his legend.
Technique & Style
David employs his characteristic bright palette, rendering the figure’s garments and the surrounding landscape with precise, layered brushwork. The delicate handling of light on the red cloak and the subtle modeling of the lion’s fur reflect the artist’s skill in creating texture and depth within a relatively compact format.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the market for religious works circulated among private patrons and ecclesiastical institutions. It later passed through several collections before being acquired by the Gemäldegalerie, where it has been on public display since the early twentieth century.
Context
Gerard David was active in both Bruges and Antwerp, where he rose to master status in the Antwerp guild. His workshop produced numerous altarpieces and devotional panels, and *Der heilige Hieronymus* illustrates his engagement with the popular hagiographic subjects favored by patrons of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gerard David (c. 1460 – 13 August 1523) was an Early Netherlandish painter and manuscript illuminator known for his brilliant use of color. Only a bare outline of his life survives, although some facts are known. He may…
Virgin and Child with Four Angels
The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus
The Crucifixion
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt![The Saint Anne Altarpiece: Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child [middle panel], by Gerard David](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/gerard-david--the-saint-anne-altarpiece-saint-anne-with-the-virgin-and-chi--781e919f9012a004-w320.webp)
The Saint Anne Altarpiece: Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child [middle panel]
The Nativity
Beweinungsaltar: Ein Heiliger mit dem Stifter Bernhard (?) von Huchtenbroich
St Paul
St. Jerome
Beweinungsaltar: Hl. Stephanus mit dem Stifter Stephan Vell von Wevelinghoven
St Stephen (wing of a polyptych)
Saint Paul
St Benedict (wing of a polyptych)
St Jerome and the Lion![The Saint Anne Altarpiece: Saint Anthony of Padua [right panel], by Gerard David](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/gerard-david--the-saint-anne-altarpiece-saint-anthony-of-padua-right-panel--124c5dfd1de29e92-w320.webp)
The Saint Anne Altarpiece: Saint Anthony of Padua [right panel]
Saint Nicholas of Bari
Saint Peter
San Clemente Papa