Artwork

Communion of St. Jerome

Communion of St. Jerome, by Unknown, unspecified
Communion of St. Jerome, by Unknown, unspecified

Communion of St. Jerome is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Capitoline Museums. The work titled *Communion of St.

About this work

Overview

Architectural elements such as columns frame the scene, and a cherubic statue occupies the background, contributing to a solemn atmosphere.

The work titled *Communion of St. Jerome* presents a group assembled around a central figure dressed in white. The focal man holds a small object, likely a liturgical element, while the surrounding participants form a semi‑circular gathering, their gazes directed toward him. Architectural elements such as columns frame the scene, and a cherubic statue occupies the background, contributing to a solemn atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on St. Jerome receiving communion, a moment of spiritual intimacy captured through the attentive expressions of the surrounding figures. The white robe emphasizes the saint’s purity, and the small object in his hand suggests the consecrated host, underscoring themes of devotion and the sacred act of the Eucharist.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a clear delineation of light and shadow to model the figures, creating a sense of depth within the interior space. Architectural columns and the cherub statue are rendered with precise linear perspective, while the figures’ faces are detailed enough to convey individual contemplation, reflecting a balanced, narrative-driven approach typical of late Renaissance religious works.

Context

Although the artist is not identified in the supplied data, the subject aligns with a tradition of depicting saints receiving communion that flourished in post‑Council of Trent Europe, when the Catholic Church emphasized the sacrament’s significance. The inclusion of classical architectural motifs and a cherubic figure reflects contemporary interest in integrating antiquarian elements into devotional imagery.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

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