Francisco de Zurbarán and Workshop: Saint Jerome with Saint Paula and Saint Eustochium (1640-1650)

(National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA)

A painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán (1598 – 1664) and his workshop. Depicted are the three patron saints of the Order of Saint Jerome or Hieronymites. The Hieronymites is a religious order of hermit monks and nuns who imitate the life of Saint Jerome - the three saints depicted here are dressed in the religious habit of the order, a white tunic with a brown scapular. Depicted from from left to right:

- Saint Paula of Rome (A.D. 347-404), the widow of a wealthy merchant. After the death of her husband she became interested in religion and eventually she settled in Bethlehem and established a monastery for men and a convent for women. She is the patron saint of widows and the Order of Saint Jerome monks and nuns.
- Saint Eustochium of Rome (A.D. 368-420), the third daughter of Saint Paula. Together with her mother she aided Saint Jerome in his translation of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin (the vulgate)
- Saint Jerome of Bethlehem (347 – 420), an important catholic hermit saint and Doctor of the Church. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). Saint Jerome is the patron saint of archaeologists, archivists, Bible scholars, librarians, libraries, school children, students and translators.

Painting from 1640-1650.