San Girolamo
Paolo Veronese·1580
Historical Context
San Girolamo (c. 1580), in the Kunsthaus Zürich, depicts Saint Jerome, traditionally shown as an aged scholar with his cardinal's hat and the lion he legendarily tamed. This painting likely formed a companion piece to the Pope Gregory the Great also in Zürich, part of a series depicting the four Latin Doctors of the Church. Veronese presents Jerome in contemplation, surrounded by books and manuscripts that reference his monumental achievement — the Vulgate translation of the Bible into Latin. The warm, richly textured palette of Veronese's late period gives the saint a powerful physical presence, combining scholarly introspection with the robust vitality that characterizes the artist's approach to sacred figures.
Technical Analysis
The scholarly saint is rendered with Veronese's characteristic attention to fabrics and setting. The warm palette and luminous treatment of flesh tones create a vivid portrait of intellectual engagement.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice Jerome surrounded by books and manuscripts referencing his monumental achievement — the Vulgate translation of the Bible into Latin.
- ◆Look at the warm, richly textured palette of Veronese's late period giving the scholarly saint a powerful physical presence at the Kunsthaus Zürich.
- ◆Observe this work's likely pairing as a companion to the Pope Gregory the Great also in Zürich, part of a series depicting the four Latin Doctors of the Church.
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