The Vision of Saint Jerome
Artistfollower of
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
(Italian, 1571–1610)
Datefirst half of the 1600s
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 73.2 x 97.5 cm (28 13/16 x 38 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineAustin S. Garver Fund
Terms
Object number1960.13
Label TextThe Vision of Saint Jerome
Follower of Caravaggio
First half of the 17th century, possibly Italian
Oil on canvas
Museum purchase, Austin S. Garver Fund, 1960.13
St. Jerome, one of the four church fathers, is known for his translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew to Latin in the 4th century AD. Despite his religious position he was also fascinated with Roman writings, including Cicero, as he secretly confessed in his letters. This painting depicts the moment when God accuses the church father of reading pagan literature.
Any discussion about the painting's authorship includes one of the foremost Baroque painters, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571 - 1610), as well as other important Italian and northern European artists active in the first half of the 17th century. Some art historians consider it to be an autograph work by Caravaggio, but the attribution remains uncertain. Caravaggio's revolutionary art, as well his moral conduct, made him the most admired and scorned artist during his lifetime. After his death however, he was nearly forgotten until the 1940s when art historians rediscovered his work. Recently, several major international Caravaggio exhibitions provide proof of his greatness and art historical significance.
If not by Caravaggio, this work could only have been painted by an artist who had closely observed the master's work. Caravaggio's use of dramatic lighting or chiaroscuro, and realistic approach to religious subject matter had a strong influence on his contemporaries, such as Ribera, Rembrandt, and Georges de la Tour.
Typically, depictions of the Vision of St. Jerome include angels blowing their trumpets. Here the artist takes an unusual approach and focuses exclusively on the moment that the saint is struck by divine light. Frightened, he shields himself with his right arm, snuffing out the candle and dropping the skull that now rests in broken pieces on the table. The still life can also be read as a memento mori, a reminder of the transitory nature of life.
Art historians continue to search for ways to untangle the mysteries of this Caravaggesque painting with its unusual depiction of St. Jerome.ProvenanceJulius Weitzner, New York NYOn View
On viewLocations
- Exhibition Location Gallery 201
