San Jerónimo

Identification of San Jerónimo by Jusepe de Ribera

San Jerónimo, executed by Jusepe de Ribera in 1651, presents the biblical figure in the advanced stages of old age. The subject is rendered from the waist up in profile, captured during the act of composing Latin translations of the Bible. This specific portrayal focuses on the intellectual and scholarly labor of the saint.

The work belongs to the Baroque period. Ribera’s approach to the subject emphasizes the physical realities of aging and the intense concentration required for his scriptural work. The composition centers on the saint's engagement with his text, highlighting the intersection of religious devotion and academic rigor.

Composition and Visual Elements of the Work

The figure is rendered from the waist up in profile. A gaze fixed on the viewer creates a direct connection between the subject and the observer. This positioning emphasizes the psychological presence of the saint, capturing a moment of intense contemplation. The composition relies on the starkness of the subject's posture to command attention within the frame.

The artist includes a signature and date within the left hand of the figure. This detail integrates the documentation of the work directly into the physical presence of the saint. The arrangement of the body and the placement of the hands contribute to a sense of stillness and focused intent.

Technical Details and Artistic Medium

Executed in the Baroque style, this work utilizes oil on canvas to achieve its specific tonal qualities. The application of the oil technique allows for the precise rendering of textures and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow characteristic of the period. The physical dimensions of the piece measure 125 cm by 100 cm.

The artist's approach emphasizes a controlled use of pigment to define form and depth. Through the layering of oil, the composition achieves a sense of physical presence and structural clarity. The medium supports the intense focus required to depict the subject's features and the heavy folds of the drapery.

Current Location and Museum Collection

The work is held within the Museo Nacional de San Martino in Naples, Italy. It remains part of the permanent collection of this institution, preserved as a significant example of the artist's output during his time in the Neapolitan art world.

The painting was commissioned as part of a series of works for the Carthusian monastery of San Martino. This specific piece was one of several intended for the private quarters of the prior. The museum maintains the work within its curated holdings, ensuring its continued presence in the historical context of Naples.