“The Temptation of St. Jerome” is an oil painting on panel by Giorgio Vasari, created in 1541. This masterpiece belongs to the Mannerism movement, also referred to as the Late Renaissance. The painting, which is a religious genre work, measures 168.3 by 119.4 centimeters and is currently housed in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of St. Jerome encountering temptation. St. Jerome is shown on his knees, gazing fervently at a small crucifix he holds with one hand, while clutching a stone with the other. His body is muscular, and he is clad in a blue drapery. Beside him sits a lion, indicative of his traditional iconography. To his side, a voluptuous figure, presumably representing carnal temptation, holds a child and appears to lean towards him, a symbol of the worldly and sensual allurements he resists. Above them hover cherubs, emphasizing the divine oversight. The composition also contains other elements like a skull and books, reminiscent of Jerome’s scholarly life and the contemplation of mortality. The intricate details and the dynamic arrangement of figures are characteristic of the Mannerist style, showcasing Vasari’s adeptness at capturing complex emotional and theological themes.
