Artwork

Saint Jerome

Saint Jerome, by Jacopo de' Barbari, ink, 1502
Saint Jerome, by Jacopo de' Barbari, ink, 1502

Saint Jerome is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacopo de' Barbari. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: 2; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: H

About this work

Overview

Saint Jerome is an engraving on laid paper created by Jacopo de' Barbari around 1502. This print exemplifies the artist's meticulous style, reflecting his role as a pioneering Italian Renaissance figure in Northern Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays Saint Jerome, a revered Christian figure, engaged in writing at a desk. Symbolic elements include a cross, books/papers, and the saint's attire, conveying devotion and scholarly pursuits.

Technique & Style

Executed in precise, detailed lines characteristic of Barbari's technique, the black-and-white engraving showcases his influence on Northern European printmaking. The composition features a contemplative Saint Jerome in a simple, yet expressive, interior setting.

History & Provenance

Created after Barbari's 1500 move from Venice to Germany, Saint Jerome marks an early instance of Italian Renaissance artistic presence in Northern Europe. The work's provenance is not detailed here, but its creation period situates it within Barbari's formative Northern European years.

Context

As one of Barbari's surviving prints, Saint Jerome contributed to the evolution of engraving techniques in Northern Europe, bridging Italian and Northern artistic practices.

Saint Jerome
Saint Jerome, Pietro Rotari

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo de' Barbari

Artist

Jacopo de' Barbari

Jacopo de' Barbari, sometimes known or referred to as de'Barbari, de Barberi, de Barbari, Barbaro, Barberino, Barbarigo or Barberigo (c.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Saint Jerome?

Saint Jerome was painted by Jacopo de' Barbari in 1502.

Where can I see Saint Jerome?

Saint Jerome is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Jerome?

Saint Jerome is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint Jerome?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Jerome are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.