St. Jerome in the Wilderness

Andrea Mantegna depicts St. Jerome as an aged penitent kneeling in a rocky wilderness. The saint beats his chest with a stone while gazing at a crucifix, a common iconography showing his devotion. Mantegna's characteristic hard, sculptural forms give the figure monumental presence.

Mantegna pioneered the use of archaeological accuracy in Renaissance painting, often including ancient Roman details. His influence on northern Italian art was profound, particularly on his brother-in-law Giovanni Bellini. This work now resides at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, one of the most important art museums in Latin America.