17th Century Roman School - Saint Jerome listening to the trumpets of the apocalypse

17th Century Roman School - Saint Jerome listening to the trumpets of the apocalypse
Oil on canvas. This depiction of Saint Jerome listening to the trumpets of the Apocalypse, attributed to the 17th-century Roman School, combines spiritual depth with the dramatic richness of the Baroque. At the centre of the composition, Saint Jerome appears half-naked, wrapped in a red cloak that emphasises his robust and muscular figure. His gesture, with one hand raised in an act of listening and the other holding a pen, suggests his direct connection to divine revelation. The setting is a wild and gloomy landscape, framed by a twisted tree that reinforces the drama and emotional tension of the scene.

At the saint's feet is the lion, a traditional symbol of his iconography, depicted with a serene and protective air. On the right side, elements such as the skull, open books, cross and inkwell highlight the contemplative and penitential dimension of Saint Jerome, underlining his role as a scholar and ascetic. The play of light and shadow, with a light source illuminating the saint's face and torso while the background remains in semi-darkness, is typical of the Roman Baroque style, highlighting the spirituality and realism in the treatment of the figure.

The color palette is characterized by earthy and ochre tones, accentuated by the vibrant red of the cloak, which becomes the focal point of the composition. The painting technique reveals a loose but precise handling of the brushstrokes, especially in the anatomical details and the folds of the fabrics, evoking the influence of masters such as Caravaggio or Guercino, who endowed their works with intense emotional drama.

This painting reflects the tension between earthly life and the divine call, a recurring theme in Baroque religious art. The emphasis on introspection, penitence and apocalyptic revelation makes this work a powerful vehicle of devotion, designed to inspire reflection and spiritual fervor in the viewer. An outstanding example of the narrative and technical skill of the 17th century Roman School. Dimensions: 72 x 68 cm.