Saint Jerome as Scholar
El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), ca. 1610
About this artwork
In the serene glow of El Greco's *Saint Jerome as Scholar* (ca. 1610), the venerable Church Father appears immersed in contemplation, surrounded by books and scholarly accoutrements that symbolize his lifelong dedication to translating the Bible into the Latin Vulgate. Painted late in the artist's career in Toledo, Spain, this oil on canvas captures Jerome's introspective wisdom, often evoked through traditional motifs like the skull reminding viewers of mortality and his lion companion signifying his desert hermitage. El Greco, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos in Crete, blended Byzantine mysticism with Italian Mannerism, pioneering a highly personal style marked by elongated figures, vibrant colors, and dramatic chiaroscuro lighting. Here, his swirling brushwork and ethereal forms heighten the spiritual intensity, transforming a devotional portrait into a profound meditation on intellect and faith during Spain's Golden Age Counter-Reformation era. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Robert Lehman Collection, this 42 1/2 x 35 1/16-inch masterpiece exemplifies El Greco's enduring influence on Expressionism and modern art, inviting visitors to ponder the timeless pursuit of knowledge amid divine inspiration.