On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02304
- Author
- Poussin, Nicholas (French)
- Title
- Landscape with Saint Jerome
- Chronology
- Ca. 1637
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 155 cm x 234 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This hermit saint praying in a
clearing in the woods is
traditionally identified as Saint
Jerome, although he might also be
Saint Paul the Hermit. Semi-nude,
he is only covered by a
braided-palm skirt. He leans over
in front of a cross and a skull,
which are symbols of penitent
saints alluding to their meditation
on death. His right hand holds a
stone with which, according to
tradition, he will beat his body to
expiate his sins.
The carefully rendered landscape
painted with patches of color after
the manner of Titian (Ca.
1485-1576), reveals a
characteristic always present in
Poussin's work: Nature is the true
protagonist of his paintings; the
subject represented is relegated to
a secondary role.
This is one of a series of
paintings of anchorites made for
the Buen Retiro palace at the
behest of King Felipe IV. It is
listed in that palace's inventory
from 1701.
Location on the map
