St. Jerome penitence 1473

Pietro Perugino created this depiction of St. Jerome in penitence sometime between 1446 and 1524. The Italian Renaissance was marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity alongside religious themes. Here, we see St. Jerome, a towering figure in the early Church, who translated the Bible into Latin. Notice the gaunt figure of Jerome, bloodied, presumably from self-flagellation, set against a serene landscape. His white robe and the red cardinal’s hat at his feet denote his status, while the lion behind him recalls the legend of Jerome removing a thorn from the animal’s paw, leading to their companionship. Consider how the painting oscillates between the material world, represented by Jerome's suffering body and the spiritual world, suggested by the tranquil background. It captures the essence of Renaissance humanism, which seeks to reconcile classical ideals with Christian teachings, offering a reflection on faith, knowledge, and the human condition.