St Jerome And St John The Baptist

The famous Italian artist, Masaccio, showcases an array of talent and form through his painting of St. Jerome and St. John The Baptist

Masaccio had been coined as the founding father of the Italian Renaissance movement as he was one of the first artists who entered into the Quattrocento style. His paintings have seized people for centuries as his 15th century artwork is still incredibly praised today.

Masaccio is well known for his portrayal of biblical artwork, illustrating the religious hierarchy figures and classic events that occurred within the bible. As the Roman Catholic religion seized Italy, Masaccio followed in the path of illustrating the events society was seized with. Since at the time the only form of learning about the events within the bible was from reading and stories, MasaccioÕs visual representations highly impact the society around him as he showcased their glory through a real form.

Masaccio's artwork showcases these captivating events as he portrays different Saints and the holy family throughout his artwork. He had decided to illustrate St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist as they were prominent figures at the time. St. Jerome was a famous priest and theologian at his time, while St. John the Baptist was an incredible prophet. Their high status and impact on the Christian religion had granted them the honor of being painted.

Masaccio had also showcased an array of other Saints throughout his work, such as the paintings of St. Andrew, San Giovenale Triptych Right Panel, and San Giovenale Triptych Left Panel. These exquisite artworks showcase MasaccioÕs portrayal of religion in all of its glory and form.

The painting of St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist showcases the two figures side by side as they converse regarding a question. St. Jerome is located on the left side, drenched in a silky red fabric that falls upon his silhouette. Masaccio had used long brush strokes in order to illustrate the caverns in the fabric that flow down his attire.

St. Jerome stands in an upright position as he holds a small book filled with golden pages of scripture. Within his other hand, the interesting attributes that he holds is a miniature figure of a house that resembles the churches of the 15th century. The Saint wears a black piece of fabric along his chest that covers a portion of his neck and hides behind his beard.

He is accessorized in a large red top hat matching his attire with a red string beneath his neck. This interesting hat holds a portion of a red shall that covers his head. Beneath his feet, an abnormal looking dog looks towards the man. The buzzard looking animal slightly resembles a lion and a cat, similar to MasaccioÕs previous painting with an animal in Putto and a Small Dog.

His colleague, St. John the Baptist, stands next to the Saint holding a gold metal stick with a cross at the top. He wears a deep brown shirt, and a large pink shawl upon his attire. The pink fabric falls upon his silhouette as Masaccio uses large brush strokes to illustrate the fabric. The captivating technique of the artist adds to the allure of the artwork as the viewer's are able to witness the exact fabric that covers the Saint.

Masaccio is incredibly known and prominent for his impeccable use of technique and artistry to showcase detail in beautiful forms. This is alongside evident as through the background of the artwork, as the viewer is able to witness the gold leaf colour that fills the background of the artwork. This bronze colour alters through shades of light and gold dabbed onto the mural adding a luxurious and significant feel to the work.