Love and books

Here’s a painting of St Augustine in his study by Vittore Carpaccio (c.1465-1526). It’s one of a series that decorate the walls of a little school in Venice called S.Giorgio deli Schiavoni.  St Augustine is writing a letter to St Jerome, who  appears to him in the form of light and a voice that tells that he is in bliss.  The room, the books, the expression of the dog– the painting is a miracle of detail, warmth, humour and feeling.