Artwork
Saint Jerome Reading
Saint Jerome Reading is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Jerome Reading, created by Jusepe de Ribera around 1624, is an etching with elements of engraving and drypoint on laid paper. This print exemplifies Ribera's contribution to Spanish Baroque, particularly in his depiction of religious subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Saint Jerome in contemplation, surrounded by symbols of mortality (a skull) and scholarship (papers), emphasizing his role as a learned, devout figure. The composition conveys intense focus and spiritual engagement.
Technique & Style
Ribera combines etching, engraving, and drypoint to achieve detailed realism and expressive linework. The interplay of light and shadow creates depth, while the facial expression of Saint Jerome highlights Ribera's ability to convey emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created during Ribera's active period in Naples, this work reflects his influence on Neapolitan art. While specific provenance details are not provided, it aligns with Ribera's practice of producing prints on religious and scholarly themes.
Context
Within the broader context of Spanish Baroque, Saint Jerome Reading situates Ribera alongside contemporaries like Velázquez and Zurbarán, underscoring his prominence in the period's religious art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian: ; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
