Giovanni Bellini’s masterpiece, “St. Jerome with St. Christopher and St. Louis of Toulouse,” is a late career work that demonstrates the artist’s adoption of Giorgione’s tonalism. Commissioned by Venetian merchant Giorgio Diletti, this oil on wood medium piece was completed in 1513 and is currently housed in the church of San Giovanni Crisostomo, Venice.
The painting depicts Saints Christopher, Jerome, and Louis of Toulouse standing in front of a background divided by an arch with a Greek inscription. Of the three figures, St. Jerome represents the highest point on the painting and is depicted holding an open book with an inscription that identifies him as one of Christianity’s most eminent scholars.
It is noteworthy that this altarpiece was originally painted for the church of St Giobbe in Venice but was later transferred to San Giovanni Crisostomo after its restoration works were completed following World War II damages. The art piece stands out for its delicate brushwork and vibrant colors that lend it an almost lifelike quality which has made it one among many paintings concerning Bilderfahrzeuge group study concerns.
