Artwork
St. Jerome in the Cave
St. Jerome in the Cave is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer, a German artist of the early 16th century, produced the print *St. Jerome in the Cave* in 1514. The image shows the saint seated within a dimly lit grotto, surrounded by books, a writing desk, and a lion. A narrow opening lets a thin beam of light enter, highlighting the figure’s white beard and contemplative pose.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays Saint Jerome, traditionally associated with scholarly translation of the Bible, in a solitary setting that emphasizes his intellectual labor. The presence of the lion, a common attribute of Jerome, and the scattered manuscripts reinforce themes of erudition, asceticism, and the harmony between nature and learning.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employs strong chiaroscuro to model the forms and create a sense of depth within the cramped interior. The contrast between the dark rock walls and the illuminated figure underscores the contemplative mood, while the careful rendering of textures—fur, stone, parchment—reflects his skill as both painter and engraver.
History & Provenance
Altdorfer, a leading member of the Danube School, was active in Regensburg and also known for his work with the Nuremberg Little Masters as an engraver. *St. Jerome in the Cave* exemplifies his interest in treating landscape and interior space as subjects in their own right, rather than mere backdrops for narrative.
Context
During the German Renaissance, artists began to explore naturalistic settings and atmospheric effects. Altdorfer’s integration of a detailed cave environment with a religious figure reflects this shift, aligning with his broader oeuvre that often placed biblical scenes within vivid, expressive landscapes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
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