Painted for the Church of San Girolamo alla Certosa in Bologna, this large canvas portrays the final moments of Saint Jerome’s life as he kneels to receive communion, assisted by fellow monks. The composition is set in a classical environment, identified by Bellori as the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, opening onto a landscape visible through a composite-ordered arch.
At the center is the priest administering the sacrament, surrounded by monks, while Jerome -depicted as aged yet strong- is supported by two brethren. A man in a turban alludes to the Holy Land setting. The typical iconographic elements of Saint Jerome are all present: the skull, symbolizing detachment from earthly life; the crucifix, a focus of solitary meditation; and the lion, partially visible in the lower right corner.
The work reflects perfect compositional harmony, combining precise drawing with Venetian-inspired colors. The emotional expression of the characters, particularly the deep religiosity pervading the scene, has been widely praised.
