Is Funeral of St Jerome under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Buy a copy of Funeral of St Jerome - Venetian Renaissance, Renaissance

Artwork Description

A Grand Procession Through Time

In the masterful hands of the Venetian master Vittore Carpaccio, the Funeral of St. Jerome unfolds not merely as a religious commemoration, but as a vibrant, breathing window into the soul of the early sixteenth century. Painted around 1502, this expansive work captures a solemn yet bustling funeral procession winding through a sun-drenched landscape. As the eye wanders across the dirt roads and architectural marvels, one is immediately struck by the sheer narrative density of the scene. Carpaccio invites us to witness a moment where the sacred meets the mundane; while the central focus remains the veneration of a saint, the periphery is alive with the rhythmic movement of horses, pulling heavy carts, and a diverse assembly of townspeople. It is a cinematic experience captured on canvas, where every figure seems to possess their own quiet story, contributing to a larger tapestry of communal devotion.

The composition is a triumph of Venetian storytelling, blending the meticulous detail of the Netherlandish tradition with the luminous color palettes characteristic of the Italian Renaissance. Carpaccio’s technique allows for an extraordinary level of clarity, where even the smallest objects—a delicate bird perched in silence, a ticking clock, or a solitary potted plant—are rendered with such precision that they feel tangible to the viewer. This attention to detail serves a profound purpose: it grounds the spiritual event in a recognizable, physical reality. For the collector or interior designer, this painting offers more than just visual beauty; it provides a sense of depth and intellectual curiosity, making it an ideal centerpiece for spaces that value historical richness and complex, layered aesthetics.

Symbolism and the Art of Detail

Beyond the grand scale of the procession, the Funeral of St. Jerome is a treasure trove of symbolic elements that reward prolonged contemplation. The presence of books scattered within the scene serves as a poignant nod to Saint Jerome’s legacy as one of the most significant scholars and translators of the Bible. These literary fragments remind the viewer of the intellectual weight carried by the saint, bridging the gap between divine revelation and human scholarship. Even the seemingly incidental objects, such as the bowl or the architectural elements of the surrounding church, act as anchors for the composition, guiding the viewer's gaze through the winding path of the procession.

The emotional impact of the work lies in its unique ability to evoke both reverence and a sense of everyday life. There is a profound stillness found within the movement; despite the activity of the horses and the crowd, a certain sanctity permeates the air. This duality makes the painting exceptionally versatile for high-end decor. Whether placed in a formal gallery setting or as a commanding feature in a sophisticated living space, the artwork radiates an aura of timelessness. It is a piece that does not merely decorate a wall but enriches the atmosphere of a room, offering a window into a lost era of profound faith and exquisite artistry.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

vittore carpaccio, a prominent italian painter, was born in venice around 1465. he studied under the tutelage of gentile bellini, a renowned artist of the venetian school. this apprenticeship laid the foundation for carpaccio's future success.

artistic style and influences

carpaccio's style was characterized by its conservative nature, showing minimal influence from the humanist trends that transformed italian renaissance painting during his lifetime. his work was influenced by antonello da messina's style and early netherlandish art. this unique blend of styles resulted in a distinctive approach to venetian painting.

notable works

the legend of saint ursula, a cycle of nine paintings, is carpaccio's most famous work. this series, now housed in the gallerie dell'accademia, showcases his mastery of narrative painting.
glory of st. ursula altarpiece (1491) demonstrates carpaccio's skill in capturing light and color, reminiscent of giovanni bellini's style.
miracle of the relic of the cross at the ponte di rialto (1494) highlights carpaccio's ability to balance composition and narrative.

career highlights and legacy

carpaccio's principal works were executed between 1490 and 1519, ranking him among the early masters of the venetian renaissance.
his orientalist style, as seen in st. george baptizing the selenites, reflects a new fascination with the levant.
carpaccio's work has been somewhat overlooked in comparison to his contemporaries, such as giovanni bellini or giorgione.

references and further reading

discover more about vittore carpaccio and the venetian school on ArtsDot.

Vittore Carpaccio

1465 - 1526 , Italy

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Early Venetian Renaissance
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Early Netherlandish Painting']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Antonello da Messina
- Gentile Bellini
Date Of Birth: Venice, Italy (c. 1465)
Date Of Death: 1526
Full Name: Vittore Carpaccio
Nationality: Italian
Notable Artworks:
- The Legend of Saint Ursula
- Glory of St. Ursula Altarpiece
- Miracle of the Relic of the Cross at the Ponte di Rialto
Place Of Birth: Venice