Saint Jerome in the Wilderness, c. 1591
Annibale Carracciexpand_more
Etching and engravingexpand_more
The Winton Jones Endowment Fund for Prints and Drawingsexpand_more 2010.45.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
Saint Jerome (c. 347–420) was revered for his translation of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin, then a language in common use. Here we see Jerome surrounded by books, an ink pot, and quill pen that indicate his scholarly attainments. But he is not working in a hushed library. No, he’s out in the wilderness, flanked by a crucifix and a human skull, his chest bare and his hand grasping a rock with which he intends to beat himself.
While a student, Jerome had engaged in mischief and licentiousness. When he converted to Christianity, he felt guilty and went into the wild to atone for his actions. Annibale conveyed Jerome’s emotional turmoil using quick, abrupt, slashing lines, but he also captured his redemption with stippling (dots) to suggest heavenly light bathing him in heavenly light.
Details
- Title
- Saint Jerome in the Wilderness
- Artist Life
- Italian (Bologna), 1560-1609
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2010.45.2
- Provenance
- [Craddock and Barnard, London]; Sale, Sotheby's, London, March 30, 2010, part of no. 8, to MIA
- Catalogue Raisonne
- DeGrazia Bohlin 13 ii/iv
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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