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Saint Jerome reading in a Landscape

Giovanni Bellini (1431/1436–1516)

The National Gallery, London

Saint Jerome reading in a Landscape

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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An elderly man, barefoot and with an impressive grey beard, is perched on a rock, engrossed in a book. This is Saint Jerome, translator of the Bible into Latin. His only companion is an endearing lion which lies peaceably in the corner -- he had tamed it by removing a thorn from its paw.Bellini painted this subject several times, always using landscape and dramatic lighting to convey meaning. Cliffs tower around Jerome, cutting him off from civilisation (represented by the walled city in the background). A bright light falls on the saint and on the distant towers, but the landscape between them is plunged in shadow.Recent technical study has confirmed that the painting is by Bellini himself, rather than a follower. Jerome's head is painted with great attention to detail, and if you look closely you can see the individual brushstrokes in his hair and beard.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

Saint Jerome reading in a Landscape

Date

perhaps 1480-5

Medium

Oil on wood

Measurements

H 47 x W 33.7 cm

Accession number

NG281

Acquisition method

Bought, 1855

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Giovanni Bellini

1431/1436–1516

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