Annibale CarracciItalian, 1560–1609Saint Jerome in the Wilderness
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Saint Jerome in the Wilderness” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Saint Jerome (c. 347–420) was revered for his translation of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin, then a language in common use. Here we see Jerome surrounded by books, an ink pot, and quill pen that indicate his scholarly attainments. But he is not working in a hushed library. No, he’s out in the wilderness, flanked by a crucifix and a human skull, his chest bare and his hand grasping a rock with which he intends to beat himself.
While a student, Jerome had engaged in mischief and licentiousness. When he converted to Christianity, he felt guilty and went into the wild to atone for his actions. Annibale conveyed Jerome’s emotional turmoil using quick, abrupt, slashing lines, but he also captured his redemption with stippling (dots) to suggest heavenly light bathing him in heavenly light.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 2010.45.2
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
