Saint Jerome

This impressively bearded figure is a fourth-century saint, Jerome, one of the Fathers of the Christian Church. He holds several books - symbolising his extensive writings, including the first official translation of the Bible into Latin - and a stone.

A red hat held on by a string hangs down his back. Its tassel is visible through his beard. Late in his life Saint Jerome became secretary to the Pope, so is often shown with the red robes and hat of a cardinal.

This panel formed part of the upper tier of a large polyptych (multi-panelled altarpiece). It was painted between about 1456 and 1461 by Giorgio Schiavone for the funerary chapel of the wealthy Roberti family in the church of San Nicolò in Padua.

This two-tier altarpiece was painted between about 1456 and 1461 for the funerary chapel of the wealthy Roberti family in the church of San Nicolò in Padua. Its altar was dedicated to the Franciscan missionary Bernardino of Siena, seen among the full-length saints in the lower tier. He was canonised in 1450, shortly before Giovanni de Roberti left funds in his will for the chapel's construction.

Other saints were chosen for their special significance for members of the Roberti family. John the Baptist was the name saint of Giovanni de Roberti. His sons Antonio and Piero were represented by Anthony of Padua and Peter Martyr, who were also the patron saints of Padua. The altarpiece must have had an elaborate original frame, which has been lost.

The illusory label attached to the base of the Virgin's throne in the centre panel identifies the altarpiece as the work of Giorgio Schiavone, a disciple of Francesco Squarcione. 'Schiavone' means 'the Slavonian', referring to the fact that the artist came from Dalmatia (in modern-day Croatia).

Credit: Bought, 1860