Artwork

St. Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape

St. Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape, by Rembrandt, 1653
St. Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape, by Rembrandt, 1653

St. Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape is a print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rembrandt van Rijn's 'St. Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape' (c. 1653) is a print depicting a serene scene of contemplation, held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays St. Jerome engaged in reading, seated on a rock beneath a tree, accompanied by a calm dog. Nearby, a distant village with a church tower suggests a harmonious coexistence of solitude and community.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, sketchy lines, the work employs expressive contrasts of light and shadow, imbuing the scene with a sense of vitality and spontaneity, reflective of Baroque sensibilities.

History & Provenance

Created around 1653, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here, highlighting the need for further research into its provenance.

Context

While the work's specific inspiration is not outlined, it aligns with 17th-century Baroque themes of introspection and the interplay between nature and religious contemplation.

Legacy

As a representative of Rembrandt's printmaking, it contributes to the broader appreciation of his exploration of light, shadow, and emotional depth, influencing later artists in capturing serene, naturalistic scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

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