Artwork
Saint Jerome
Saint Jerome is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit de Haen. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition underscores themes of religious scholarship and personal sacrifice, aligning with the broader tradition of Counter-Reformation devotional art.
The painting depicts Saint Jerome, a central figure in Christian tradition known for his scholarly translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate. His portrayal often includes symbols of contemplation and penitence, reflecting his ascetic life and scholarly devotion. In this work, Jerome is shown in a landscape setting, emphasizing a spiritual connection to the natural world while engaged in study and prayer.
The composition underscores themes of religious scholarship and personal sacrifice, aligning with the broader tradition of Counter-Reformation devotional art.
The artwork is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection in Amsterdam, where it is displayed as an example of 17th-century Dutch religious painting, illustrating the era's deep engagement with biblical narratives and saintly iconography.
Technique & Style
Saint Jerome is executed in oil paint on panel, a support characteristic of seventeenth-century Dutch cabinet pictures. The painting measures 34 cm in height by 42.5 cm in width, a modest horizontal format suited to an intimate religious subject. Its genre is classified as religious art, depicting Saint Jerome as the main subject. The work is catalogued as a painting within the Rijksmuseum collection.
The handling and stylistic qualities of the brushwork, as well as the present condition of the panel, are not documented in the available sources.
History & Provenance
The painting Saint Jerome was created in 1674 by the Dutch artist Gerrit de Haen. Executed in oil paint on a panel support, the work measures 34 cm in height and 42.5 cm in width. The piece depicts the religious figure Jerome and is classified as a work of religious art. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located.
Overview
Gerrit de Haen’s 1674 oil painting presents Saint Jerome in a solitary pose. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and measures the figure against a dark, undefined background, emphasizing the saint’s contemplative demeanor.
Context
Jerome, a fourth‑century Church Father renowned for translating the Bible into Latin, was a frequent subject in Dutch religious art. De Haen’s rendition aligns with the period’s emphasis on personal piety and the visual dramatization of saintly study.
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Artist & collection
Artist
This Dutch painter worked in the 17th century, when biblical scenes like St Jerome filled many canvases.
