The reflection of life and works of Saint Jerome of Stridon in the west European pictorial art tradition of the 15–17th centuries

Abstract

For the first time in Russian historiography the reflection of various sides of the life of Saint Jerome in art works of west European artists of the 15–17th centuries is being analyzed (his sojourn in the desert, his scientific and theological work, his activity as a translator and enlightener, etc.). Apart from that the article reviews numerous legends about Jerome that were very popular among Medieval and Renaissance painters. After analyzing a vast iconography dedicated to Jerome it is summarized that it is necessary to examine the appanage that became Jerome’s distinguishing features in the pictorial art, and also the symbolism of objects and animals associated with his image. Refs 32. Figs 15.