Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of August 2026
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
Not all subjects are easy to identify. This museum long thought that the subject was the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, largely because tears are part of the standard representation of this ancient thinker. However, ter Brugghen omits the other crucial key to identifying Heraclitus--a globe over which he weeps. Instead, the book and skull indicate that the figure is Saint Jerome, known for translating the Bible into Latin. The artist probably chose to show Jerome crying to intensify his penitence.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669) — An Elderly Man in Pr
Caravaggio — Saint Jerome
Jusepe de Ribera (called Lo Spagnoletto)|Anton Joseph von Pr
Jan Adriaensz. van Staveren — A Hermit Praying in a Ruin
Hendrick ter Brugghen — Heraclitus
Aertgen Claesz van Leyden — Saint Jerome in his Study by Can
Pieter van der Werff — St Jerome
Caravaggio — Saint Jerome Writing
Jan Adriaensz. van Staveren — A Hermit in a Ruin
Caravaggio — Saint Jerome penitent
Hendrick van Someren — The Smoker Allegory of Transience
Rembrandt van Rijn (and Workshop?) — The Apostle Paul
