The artwork titled “Saint Jerome Writing,” created by Caravaggio circa 1605, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 112 by 157 centimeters. This religious painting, which exemplifies the Baroque and Tenebrism art movements, is housed in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, Italy.
The artwork captures the solemn image of Saint Jerome engaged in the act of writing, deeply absorbed in his scholarly pursuits. The dominant use of chiaroscuro, a hallmark of Tenebrism, dramatically contrasts light and shadow, drawing the observer’s attention to the saint’s intense concentration and meticulous hand. Saint Jerome’s aged, contemplative visage is starkly illuminated, emphasizing his spiritual and intellectual vigor. Accompanying him on the table are significant symbols: an open book and a skull, the latter serving as a memento mori, a reminder of mortality. The rich red drapery enveloping Jerome adds a powerful visual intensity to the composition, underlining the spiritual and contemplative nature of the scene. The background remains enveloped in darkness, enhancing the focus on the saint’s illuminated figure and infusing the artwork with a profound sense of reverence and introspection.
