Artwork

St. Jerome in his Cell

St. Jerome in his Cell, by Marinus van Reymerswaele, paint, 1545
St. Jerome in his Cell, by Marinus van Reymerswaele, paint, 1545

St. Jerome in his Cell is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Marinus van Reymerswaele. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. St.

About this work

Overview

St. Jerome in his Cell is a 1541-1545 painting by Marinus van Reymerswaele, a Dutch Renaissance artist known for his genre and religious scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Saint Jerome, a significant Christian figure, in a dimly lit interior. He is shown with a skull, a symbol of mortality, surrounded by books, a crucifix, and other objects, conveying a sense of contemplation and devotion.

Technique & Style

The work showcases the artist's attention to texture, evident in the rendering of the saint's face and the surrounding wooden objects. The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, creates a dramatic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin collection. Van Reymerswaele produced multiple versions of this subject in his Antwerp workshop, indicating its popularity.

Artist & collection

Artist

Marinus van Reymerswaele

Marinus van Reymerswaele or Marinus van Reymerswale (c. 1490 – c. 1546) was a Dutch Renaissance painter mainly known for his genre scenes and religious compositions. After studying in Leuven and training and working as…

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