Saint Jerome In His Study —created in Florence, Italy around 1480, is an artwork attributed to Domenico Ghirlandaio that depicts the scholarly Saint Jerome engaged in study within a meticulously detailed interior. The composition focuses on the serene Figure of the saint surrounded by books, a skull, and other scholarly attributes, signifying his Devotion to Learning and Contemplation. The Attention to detail in the furnishings and the saint’s surroundings reflects the influence of Renaissance Interest in Realism and Perspective. Ghirlandaio's use of Color and Form highlights the intellectual atmosphere of the scene, encapsulating the humanistic ideals of the era. This piece is currently displayed at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Lisbon.
Genealogy
Saint Jerome In His Study serves as a testament to the interplay of intellect and spirituality during the Renaissance, encapsulating the scholarly pursuits and devout Life of Saint Jerome. The Painting's title evokes the ambiance of Jerome's life as a translator and theologian, deeply engaged in the Translation of the Vulgate Bible, which holds profound significance in ecclesiastical History. The artwork is situated in a Context where figures like Saint Augustine and Contemporary humanists intersect with the spiritual and intellectual ferment of the Period. Historical places like the monastic cell, represented in the artwork, resonate with the monastic traditions of isolation and Reflection, offering a sanctified Space for scholarly endeavor. The intellectual context of the painting is rooted in the Renaissance humanism that sought to harmonize classical Knowledge with Christian doctrine. Key sources not directly depicted but implicitly referenced include the Bible, the writings of Church Fathers, and classical texts influential in Jerome's studies. Historically, Saint Jerome In His Study has been used to emphasize the virtues of scholarly dedication and Piety, though it has also been misinterpreted as merely a romanticized portrayal of ascetic life, devoid of its critical engagement with theological discourse. This artwork relates to other depictions of Saint Jerome, such as those by Albrecht Dürer and Antonello da Messina, highlighting a shared visual emphasis on the saint's dual identity as a scholar and ascetic. The underlying Structure of Saint Jerome In His Study encapsulates the Tension between intellectual pursuit and spiritual devotion, reflecting broader discourses on the reconciliation of faith with Reason and the sanctification of knowledge. In this way, the artwork is not only a Representation of a saintly figure but also a visual narrative situated within the evolving of Renaissance humanism and theological Exploration.
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