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The book in the foreground has a top-edge lettered: 'Eva(n)[gelia] cu(m) Epis[tolis]', meaning 'The gospels with the Epistles' (of St Paul). A niche containing a crucifix is surrounded by the inscription 'adoremus te Christe et benedicimus tibi quia pnr (i.e. per] sa[nctam] crucem tuam redemisti mundum', meaning 'We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee because through thy holy cross thou hast redeemed the world'). This is the opening of the adoremus te, which is sung during the service of the Stations of the Cross. Saint Jerome is shown as a scholar at work in his study. The lion was, according to a ninth-century legend, tamed by Saint Jerome's removal of a thorn from its paw. The objects in the painting signify the saint’s significance as a Christian theologian and encourage the viewer to meditate on the vanity of worldly things and the inevitability of death: they include the extinguished candle and skull.
Title
Saint Jerome in His Study
Medium
oil on wood
Measurements
H 77 x W 99 cm
Accession number
44814i
Acquisition method
purchased by Henry S. Wellcome, c.1900–1936
Work type
Painting