Ivan Petrov, The Ugljan Polyptych: Detail, Saints Jerome, Simeon, and James the Greater
Circa 1450
St. Francis Monastery, Zadar, Croatia
Each saint's podium is labeled with his name. Jerome holds a pen in his right hand. Pens are commonly found in images of this saint in his study, where he wrote his many treatises, translations, and commentaries; but usually simple portraits denote his scholarship by having him hold a book. Jerome's left arm cradles a maquette of a church and tower, a common attribute apparently referring to the monasteries he established in Bethlehem. He wears the red shoes, red cape, and flat red hat that denote status as a cardinal. His beard is somewhat forked but otherwise is similar in length and breadth to those in his other portraits.
Simeon is identified by the text of the Nunc Dimittis on the scroll in his left hand. The prayer is as follows:
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
The prayer is from Luke 2:29-32 and is part of Compline, the "Night Prayer" recited in Catholic and other churches.
James the Greater holds a book and his pilgrim's staff, a primary attribute of this saint. His dress is typical of portraits of apostles: bare feet, and archaizing tunic and pallium.
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Read more about images of St. Jerome, St. Simeon, and St. James the Greater.
Photographed in the monastery by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.