“Penitent St. Jerome,” a religious painting by Fra Angelico, created circa 1424, is executed in tempera on a panel. This Early Renaissance artwork, measuring 57 x 41 cm, is part of the Princeton University Art Museum’s collection in Princeton, NJ, US.
The artwork depicts St. Jerome, characterized by his austere and devout demeanor, standing barefoot in a barren landscape that underscores his penitence. He is garbed in simple, drab attire, reflective of his ascetic lifestyle. His right hand clutches his chest, while his left holds a scroll, possibly symbolizing his scholarly works, particularly the Vulgate. A crimson cardinal’s hat, resting on the ground beside him, alludes to his ecclesiastical stature. The background, imbued with gold, evokes a divine aura, enhancing the sanctity of the scene. The wear and texture of the gold leaf indicate the passage of time, adding historical depth to this revered image. The surrounding elements, such as small animals and plants, provide additional symbolic layers to the narrative of penitence and wilderness exile.
