Saint Jerome in His Study

Albrecht Dürer, 1521

MEDIUMOil on panel
LOCATIONNational Museum of Ancient Art

Step into the serene world of Saint Jerome, brought to life by Albrecht Dürer, a master of the German Renaissance. This painting invites you to observe the quiet contemplation of a scholar surrounded by symbolic details.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Albrecht Dürer, a towering figure of the German Renaissance, created "Saint Jerome in His Study" in 1521. Dürer, born in Nuremberg, was renowned across Europe for his masterful printmaking, a skill evident even in his paintings through his meticulous attention to detail and line. This work showcases his profound engagement with Renaissance humanism and his ability to infuse traditional religious subjects with a sense of intimate psychological depth. Dürer was in contact with leading Italian artists like Raphael and Bellini, and his work often reflects a synthesis of Northern European precision and Italian Renaissance ideals. Saint Jerome, depicted as a scholar surrounded by his books and symbols of contemplation, is a subject Dürer explored multiple times, including in his famous engravings. This painting exemplifies Dürer's mature style, characterized by its rich symbolism, intricate composition, and the serene atmosphere that draws the viewer into the saint's world of quiet devotion and intellectual pursuit.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The sleeping lion and dog in the foreground

2

The skull on the windowsill, a memento mori

3

The crucifix and books on the desk

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Audio Deep Dive

Step into the serene world of Saint Jerome, brought to life by Albrecht Dürer, a master of the German Renaissance. This painting invites you to observe the qui…

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THE ARTIST
Albrecht Dürer 1471–1528 · Duchy of Bavaria

Renaissance master who revolutionized printmaking across Europe before turning 30.

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