Artus Wolfort, Saint Jérôme en prières, 17th century,
oil on canvas, L.192, Lille, Palais des Beaux-Arts
credit: RMN-GP - cliché René-Gabriel Ojéda
Saint Jerome is depicted wearing a red drapery that only partially covers his body, leaving his left shoulder bare, a sign of denudation and abandonment to deep inner reflection, detached from physical appearances. The crimson color of the garment alludes to his anachronistic function as cardinal, a function belatedly attributed to him by artistic culture.
This traditional 17th-century depiction follows the Church's spiritual recommendations during the Counter-Reformation to emphasize the image of inner richness and outer poverty. Ribera thus depicts a poorly clothed Saint Jerome. His garment, worn over one shoulder, may also refer to the attire of the ancient philosopher in search of wisdom, a reference that underlines the thin line between the Christian ascetic and the philosopher.
Another representation of drapery can be seen in this work by Wolfort: