IMAGE DETAILS

Dei Bardi Art

Saint Jérôme
Burgundy, last quarter of the 15th century
Limestone
H 60.5 cm
Literature: J. Baudoin, La sculpture flamboyante en Bourgogne et Franche-Comté, Nonette, 1993

This exquisite sculpture of Saint Jerome, carved from soft, nearly white limestone typical of eastern France, exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of 15th-century Burgundian art. What makes this piece particularly remarkable is its deep connection to the distinctive Burgundian sculptural tradition. It reflects the enduring influence of the renowned Spanish sculptor Jean de la Huerta (1413-1462), who served as the artist for Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy.

The artistic quality and stylistic features of the sculpture are strikingly evident in Saint Jerome's broad, angular face and powerfully square jawline. The low forehead—accentuated by the wide brim of the hat—along with his large, flattened cheeks and small mouth that forms a circumflex accent, adds to the character of the piece. His crescent-shaped eyes, defined by prominent eyelids and well-formed eyebrows, further enhance the expressive quality of the sculpture. These traits draw parallels to other notable works, such as Richard de Plaine’s praying figure from the Jacobins Chapel in Poligny and the Saint Jean from the Calvary in the Saint-Anatoile Church in Salins, attributed to Jean de Blany, follower of de la Huerta.

Despite its relatively small size, the sculpture possesses a monumental presence. The meticulous representation of the clothing illustrates a blend of Flemish and Germanic influences, reminiscent of some of de la Huerta’s later works. Given its close ties to the artistic milieu of the Burgundian ducal court, it is likely that this piece was commissioned by an individual of high political or ecclesiastical status, further underscoring its significance within the cultural context of the time.