St. Jerome in Penitence
Artist: Jan Lievens (Dutch, 1607-1674)
Date: about 1631
Dimensions:
Overall: 9 15/16 x 8 3/8 in. (25.3 x 21.3 cm);
Sheet: 10 x 8 3/8 in. (25.3 x 21.3 cm)
Medium: Etching
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: William J. Hitchcock Fund in memory of Grace J. Hitchcock
Object number: 1987.193
Label Text:St. Jerome sits, head humbly bent in devotion to a crucifix he holds. Light radiates behind his head like a halo. A second light source illuminates the ground and the saint’s body. Quickly drawn etched lines convey a nervous energy in this print. There is confusion as to whether the scene is interior or exterior—a wall holds the saint’s cardinal hat and an hourglass, but a tree grows in the space.
Jan Lievens was a contemporary of Rembrandt; indeed, the two artists studied with the same Dutch master, Pieter Lastman (see Lastman’s Judah and Tamar nearby), while sharing a studio in Leiden. Lievens was influenced by both Dutch and Flemish Baroque art and especially the work of Anthony van Dyck (see van Dyck’s portraits in this exhibition). Lievens last years were troubled by debt, not unlike Rembrandt, and he spent his remaining life wandering and alone.
Jan Lievens was a contemporary of Rembrandt; indeed, the two artists studied with the same Dutch master, Pieter Lastman (see Lastman’s Judah and Tamar nearby), while sharing a studio in Leiden. Lievens was influenced by both Dutch and Flemish Baroque art and especially the work of Anthony van Dyck (see van Dyck’s portraits in this exhibition). Lievens last years were troubled by debt, not unlike Rembrandt, and he spent his remaining life wandering and alone.
Not on view
In Collection(s)