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Saint Jerome in Penitence
El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)
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El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)
Saint Jerome in Penitenceabout 1595 - 1600This devotional image shows the penitent St Jerome meditating on a crucifix while beating his chest with a stone. The cave-like setting recalls St Jerome's years as a hermit in the desert. The books and pen symbolise his scholarly activity, including his translation of the Bible into Latin, while the skull and hour-glass represent the transience of life. Although the office of cardinal did not exist in Jerome's lifetime he is often depicted with a cardinal's hat, as here, referring to his service to the Pope and his posthumous status as a doctor of the church.
Glossary Open
Devotional art
Religious images used privately as a focus of prayer or an aid to meditation.
Symbolism
The representation of subjects or ideas by use of a device or motif to create underlying meaning. A literary and artistic movement that originated in France and spread through much of Europe in the late 19th century. There was no consistent style but rather an appeal to the idea of the artist as mystic or visionary and the desire to express a world beyond superficial appearances.
Details
- Accession no. NG 1873
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 104.20 x 96.50 cm
- Credit Purchased 1936
El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Spanish, 1541 - 1614)
Domenikos Theotokopoulos was born in Crete and became known as El Greco ('the Greek') in Spain where he established his reputation as a painter with an original and distinctive style. In Crete he had trained in the Byzantine tradition of icon painting. He then moved to Venice where he developed a freer handling of paint inspired by Titian and Tintoretto. He also spent some years in Rome before leaving for Spain. He settled in the cultural centre of Toledo and produced numerous paintings, ranging from altarpieces to portraits.
Glossary Open
Altarpiece
An artwork behind a church altar featuring religious scenes or imagery which was usually the focus for the celebration of the Mass.
Byzantine art
Artistic style that developed in the eastern Mediterranean under the rule of the Byzantine Empire and spread beyond its boundaries to other parts of the Christian world. It moved away from classical naturalistic figures to flat frontal figures and is best seen in mosaics and icons.
Icon
A devotional image, usually depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint, traditionally associated with the Byzantine, Greek and Roman Orthodox Churches. By extension, it is used to denote an important and enduring symbol.