St Jerome

During the final years of his life Cesare da Sesto worked in a productive studio in Milan, where this fascinating portrayal of St Jerome in penitence was probably painted. The painting was preceded by numerous drawings. The saint sits on a rocky bench covered with grasses and plants; a tree spreads behind him with a vast mountainous landscape opening up to either side. Inspired by Leonardo’s example, Cesare drew landscape elements from life and several of his works include such spreading trees.