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Saint Jerome

ca. 1628–29
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The famed scholar and translator of the Bible, Saint Jerome (ca. 347–420), is shown interrupted, turning his head, possibly at the sound of a trumpet blast from heaven (a popular subject). Valentin thus suggests sound by the attitude of the figure. The companion painting of Saint John the Baptist (on view here) shows him preaching. The concept of "painted sound" would not be surprising from the painter of musical concerts! Both pictures were purchased by Angelo Giori (1586–1662), a member of the papal circle of Urban VIII and a man of great sophistication. The loan has been made for this exhibition despite the fact that the Church of Santa Maria in Via was severely damaged by the August 24, 2016, earthquake.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Jerome
  • Artist: Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1628–29
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 50 3/8 × 35 13/16 in. (128 × 91 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Santa Maria in Via, Camerino
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings