Artwork

Saint Jerome in a Courtyard

Saint Jerome in a Courtyard, by Albrecht Altdorfer, ink, 1514
Saint Jerome in a Courtyard, by Albrecht Altdorfer, ink, 1514

Saint Jerome in a Courtyard is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Jerome in a Courtyard is an engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent German Renaissance artist, around 1514.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Saint Jerome, a renowned scholar, in contemplative solitude within a secluded courtyard. Accompanied by a calm lion, the scene reflects Jerome's legendary ability to commune with animals. The composition balances the saint's introspection with the natural and architectural surroundings.

Technique & Style

Altdorfer employed fine lines to achieve detailed textures and shading, evident in the lion's fur, the saint's robes, and the masonry of the background structure. This level of intricacy is characteristic of the Nuremberg Little Masters' influence on his engravings.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1514, this work exemplifies Altdorfer's contribution to the Danube School, known for integrating figures with expressive landscapes. The exact provenance history of the piece is not detailed here, highlighting the need for further attribution research.

Context

As a product of the Renaissance, *Saint Jerome in a Courtyard* blends religious themes with meticulous observation of nature, reflecting the era's artistic values. The use of engraving on laid paper made the work more accessible, contributing to the dissemination of religious and artistic themes during this period.

Legacy

This engraving contributes to Altdorfer's legacy as a versatile artist, influencing subsequent generations with its blend of religious subject matter, naturalistic detail, and technical engraving prowess. Its style and technique remain a subject of study in the context of Renaissance printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer

Artist

Albrecht Altdorfer

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…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.