Art historian Siân Walters takes a closer look at Dürer’s contemplative – and surprisingly explosive – painting
Dürer’s ‘Saint Jerome’ captures the saint with incredible detail. The more you look, the more you see.
Created around 1496, this panel was intended for use in prayer or meditation. Turn your gaze to the wide variety of plants or the rich fur of the lion companion. Notice the finches, the vibrant blue cloth, or the crucifix wedged into the stump of a tree.
It is a scene of quiet contemplation, but turn the painting over and you’ll see a different picture entirely. Here, a startling clash of bright reds and oranges are contrasted against a blue-back sky.
? Find out more about 'Saint Jerome': https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/albrecht-durer-saint-jerome
?️ Find out more about Albrecht Dürer: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/albrecht-durer
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