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 also identified by the Cardinal’s hat at the left. Beside a skull lies an open book with the letters SI (or J), for Saint Jerome. Such plaques were made in Spain during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, while examples from Flanders are also known.

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

In good condition and with beautiful patina.

Shipping in Europe: EUR 15