The artwork, titled “Saint Jerome Writing,” was crafted by Caravaggio in 1607. Executed in oil on canvas, this religious painting measures 117 by 157 cm and is a distinguished example of the Baroque and Tenebrism movements. Currently, it is housed in St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta.
The artwork depicts Saint Jerome, an important Christian scholar, deeply absorbed in writing. He is shown half-naked, draped in a red cloth, with concentrated attention on the task at hand. The use of chiaroscuro to emphasize the dramatic contrast between light and shadow is prominent, typical of Caravaggio’s style. The dark background helps focus attention on the Saint, adding to the contemplative and solemn atmosphere of the scene. A human skull on the table serves as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality, enhancing the painting’s somber and reflective mood. Saint Jerome’s austere expression, intricate muscular details, and the meticulously painted textures contribute to the emotional intensity and realism of the composition.