... style and structure. The two works also seem to share a common underlying theme: the transcendence of the sacred over the ordinary. Finally, the artist's (or architect's) means of representation appears to be similar in both. By examining the commonalities between the two works, we can achieve greater understanding of the merits of each individual effort. Both St. Jerome and Christ Church embrace the concept of realism over impressionism. St. Jerome is almost photographic in its sense of detail; the viewer feels as if he can almost reach out and touch the saint and his library. The painting provides a "you are there" type of quality; it is as if the viewer is an invisible angel in the rafters, gazing down at a brilliant man engrossed in study. The details are not fuzzy, but rather are clearly drawn; it's been said that some 30 books are visible in the work. ...

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