1897 - Oil On Canvas - Saint Jerome In His Study
A splendid oil painting on canvas depicting Saint Jerome in his Study, based on Dürer’s 1521 work.
Highly regarded and frequently replicated, this composition has been reinterpreted by our artist in an even more mystical and esoteric style.
The most striking element is undoubtedly the anamorphic skull, rendered in such a way that the eye sockets, nose, and occipital foramen blend into one another. In this way, it always appears as though two of the cavities are aligned, simulating the effect of a skull whose gaze follows the observer wherever they may be. This accentuates the Memento Mori theme, reminding us that death, no matter how we look at it, will eventually catch up with us.
The skull is indicated by the saint’s pointing finger, drawing the viewer’s focus to the central meaning of this fascinating reinterpretation of the original 16th-century work, thereby enhancing its significance.
Other references to the theme of death include the Crucifix, the unlit candle, and the scroll-manifesto: Memorare Novissima is in fact taken from the writings of St. Jerome and indicates the importance of remembering the present, as death could come at any moment… and our final actions and meditations may save us or condemn us for eternity.
The coat of arms in the upper left is intriguing, featuring two cross pattées above a golden shield on a dark background, with a skull in the lower part of the shield and, beneath it, the scroll “In voce Archangeli,” taken from the Letter to the Thessalonians.
The coat of arms, with the addition of the skull and the scroll, clearly indicates the patronage, most likely a German confraternity (Confraternities of the Good Death?).
A work of great charm, which expresses important values and, through the use of symbols and partly occult devices, prompts deep meditation on death.
Dimensions: 45 x 58 cm (H) excluding frame
Highly regarded and frequently replicated, this composition has been reinterpreted by our artist in an even more mystical and esoteric style.
The most striking element is undoubtedly the anamorphic skull, rendered in such a way that the eye sockets, nose, and occipital foramen blend into one another. In this way, it always appears as though two of the cavities are aligned, simulating the effect of a skull whose gaze follows the observer wherever they may be. This accentuates the Memento Mori theme, reminding us that death, no matter how we look at it, will eventually catch up with us.
The skull is indicated by the saint’s pointing finger, drawing the viewer’s focus to the central meaning of this fascinating reinterpretation of the original 16th-century work, thereby enhancing its significance.
Other references to the theme of death include the Crucifix, the unlit candle, and the scroll-manifesto: Memorare Novissima is in fact taken from the writings of St. Jerome and indicates the importance of remembering the present, as death could come at any moment… and our final actions and meditations may save us or condemn us for eternity.
The coat of arms in the upper left is intriguing, featuring two cross pattées above a golden shield on a dark background, with a skull in the lower part of the shield and, beneath it, the scroll “In voce Archangeli,” taken from the Letter to the Thessalonians.
The coat of arms, with the addition of the skull and the scroll, clearly indicates the patronage, most likely a German confraternity (Confraternities of the Good Death?).
A work of great charm, which expresses important values and, through the use of symbols and partly occult devices, prompts deep meditation on death.
Dimensions: 45 x 58 cm (H) excluding frame
4 200 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Good condition
Material: Painted metal
Width: 45
Height: 58
Reference (ID): 1774652
Availability: In stock
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