Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop – Saint Jerome and the Lion – Predella Panel Part 2 National Gallery UK

The panel presents a scene of quiet intimacy set against a dramatic landscape. A bearded figure, clad in a flowing pink robe and haloed with golden light, sits serenely on a rocky ledge. He gently touches the head of a large lion that rests comfortably at his feet. The composition is structured around this central interaction; the man’s posture – leaning forward slightly – and the lions relaxed demeanor convey a sense of mutual trust and affection.
The background establishes a stark contrast to the foreground’s tranquility. Towering, snow-capped mountains dominate the horizon line, rendered with a muted palette of grays and blues that suggest distance and grandeur. A small structure, possibly a building or hermitage, is nestled on a distant slope, hinting at a secluded existence. The landscapes scale dwarfs the figures, emphasizing their isolation and perhaps alluding to spiritual detachment from worldly concerns.
The artist’s use of light contributes significantly to the painting’s mood. A soft, diffused glow illuminates the figure and the lion, highlighting their forms while leaving the background in relative shadow. This creates a sense of depth and draws the viewers attention to the central narrative element. The pink hue of the robe is unusual for depictions of religious figures; it introduces an unexpected warmth and gentleness that softens the austerity typically associated with monastic life.
Subtleties within the scene suggest deeper meanings. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and ferocity, lies docilely at the man’s feet, implying his power over primal instincts or perhaps representing spiritual dominion achieved through piety and contemplation. The presence of the building in the distance could symbolize refuge, knowledge, or divine grace. The rocky ledge itself might be interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges and hardships encountered on a path to enlightenment. Overall, the painting conveys a message of peace, humility, and the potential for harmony between humanity and nature – or, more broadly, between the spiritual and the physical realms.