St. Jerome (c.1610; Spain) by El Greco

St. Jerome - El Greco - c.1610; Spain

Artwork Information

TitleSt. Jerome
ArtistEl Greco
Datec.1610; Spain
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions168 x 110.5 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)

About St. Jerome

The artwork titled “St. Jerome” was created by the artist known as El Greco around 1610 in Spain. This religious painting is a work of oil on canvas measuring 168 by 110.5 cm and is associated with the Mannerism movement, which was part of the Late Renaissance period.

In the painting, you can see an elderly, yet muscular man, who is depicted as St. Jerome. His body is gaunt, with pronounced ribcage and musculature, which adds to the dramatic effect of the painting. St. Jerome’s expression is intense and contemplative, possibly in a moment of divine inspiration or penance, a common theme in artworks representing this saint. He is almost entirely nude, with a cloth loosely draped around his lower body, accentuating his ascetic lifestyle. The background appears to be a dark, cavernous space that gives a sense of isolation and solitude, emphasizing the saint’s withdrawal from worldly matters to focus on the spiritual realm. El Greco’s use of dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, as well as his elongated figure, reflects the typical characteristics of the Mannerism art movement.

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