Public Domain Mark
You can use this work for any purpose without restriction under copyright law. Read more about this licence.
Credit
Saint Jerome in his study. Oil painting. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Saint Jerome in his study. Oil painting.
- Reference:
- 44814i
- Pictures
- Online
Selected images from this work
View 2 imagesAbout this work
Description
Saint Jerome is shown as a scholar at work in his study. The lion was, according to a 9th century legend, tamed by Saint Jerome's removal of a thorn from its paw. The objects in the painting signify the saint's significance as a Christian theologian and encourage the viewer to meditate on the vanity of worldly things and the inevitability of death: they include the extinguished candle and skull.
Physical description
1 painting : oil on wood ; wood 77 x 99 cm
Lettering
Book in foreground has top-edge lettered "Eva(n)[gelia] cu(m) Epis[tolis]", meaning The gospels with the Epistles (of St Paul). Niche containing a crucifix is surrounded by inscription "Adoremus te Christe et benedicimus tibi quia pnr [i.e. per] sa[nctam] crucem tuam redemisti mundum", meaning We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee because through thy holy cross thou hast redeemed the world: this is the opening of the Adoremus te, which is sung during the service of the Stations of the Cross
Reference
Wellcome Collection 44814i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed storesNote