St. Jerome

It was during a difficult period in his life, just prior to departing for Milan in 1482, that Leonardo worked on this painting, yet another destined to remain unfinished. He was a man often subject to bouts of melancholy or depression. Notes in his notebook show how low he was feeling at this time in his life. This is a wonderful pictorial presentation of the artist's emotional turmoil during that period. It is also notable for how well it demonstrates Leonardo's anatomical knowledge. The saint's muscles and bones are covered with a thin layer of flesh, with cheek and neck muscles being accurately drawn.