Saint Jerome In The Desert - Cast Bronze Bas-relief - Spain, Early 17th Century

Saint Jerome in the Wilderness

Cast bronze relief Spain, early 17th century

Dimensions: 10.2 × 7.2 cm (height including hanging eye 11.6 cm)

Provenance: private collection, The Netherlands 

This finely cast bronze relief depicts Saint Jerome in the Wilderness,contemplating the Crucifix. The Saint is accompanied by his lion, and alsoidentified by the Cardinal’s hat at the left. Beside a skull lies an open bookwith the letters SI (or J), for Saint Jerome. Such plaques were made in Spain during the late sixteenth and earlyseventeenth centuries, while examples from Flanders are also known.

The plaque exemplifies the refined modeling and devotional character of Late RenaissanceEuropean bronzes. Its small rectangular format andsuspension ring suggest that it likely served as a private devotional plaque orpax, intended for personal meditation rather than liturgical use. Similar examples can be found in thecollection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In good condition and with beautiful patina.

Shipping in Europe: EUR 15