Artwork
Saint Jerome in his Study by Candlelight
Saint Jerome in his Study by Candlelight is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Unknown. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This painting depicts Saint Jerome seated at a cluttered desk, lost in thought.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts Saint Jerome seated at a cluttered desk, lost in thought. The scene is illuminated by a single candle, casting deep shadows and creating a sense of intimacy.
Subject & Meaning
The skull Jerome holds serves as a reminder of mortality, a common theme among scholars of the 1500s. Symbols such as the cardinal's hat and rosary on the wall highlight Jerome's religious significance.
Technique & Style
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark, known as chiaroscuro, creates a sense of depth and volume in the composition. The flickering candlelight adds to the dramatic effect, drawing the viewer's attention to Jerome's contemplative figure.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
