2-976-274 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Saint Jerome in his Study by Candlelight, c.1520-c.1530. Other Title(s): Saint Jerome in his Study by Candlelight. Saint Jerome behind his desk, leaning on his right hand and holding a skull in the other one, in a room illuminated by a candle. His pose, with his eyes half or fully closed, expresses melancholy. Lying on the desk before him are a small illuminated book, writing implements and a note with the words ‘Respice fin[e]m’ (Consider the end). Hanging on the wall in the right background is St Jerome’s red cardinal’s hat, with a brush (the symbol of purity) and a rosary below it. The round mirror partly concealed by a curtain can be interpreted as a symbol of self-knowledge. Hanging below it is a garland with a cartouche containing a barely legible monogram.