St. Jerome
c. 1480-1482 Vatican Museums
About this artwork
This unfinished oil painting depicts Saint Jerome, a Christian hermit and scholar, in a moment of penance or contemplation within a rugged wilderness. The artwork is believed to be one of Leonardo da Vinci's earliest works from his first Florentine period.
Did you know?
Leonardo's 'St. Jerome' is famously unfinished, showcasing the artist's intense anatomical study and emotional depth even in its raw state. The painting was discovered in two pieces: the torso was found in a junk shop, and the head was later found in a shoemaker's stall, having been used as a stool top. Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle, owned the pieces and is credited with reuniting them.
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St. Jerome
Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1480-1482
