Artwork
Saint Jerome in His Study
Saint Jerome in His Study is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer's 1514 engraving, Saint Jerome in His Study, depicts the revered scholar-saint immersed in his work. This print, executed on laid paper, offers an intimate glimpse into Jerome's contemplative world. The detailed composition showcases Dürer's mastery of the engraving technique, presenting a scene rich with symbolic elements and a sense of quiet scholarly devotion.
Subject & Meaning
The print centers on Saint Jerome, a key figure in Christian scholarship, seated at a Renaissance-style desk.
The print centers on Saint Jerome, a key figure in Christian scholarship, seated at a Renaissance-style desk. He is surrounded by books and objects that reflect his intellectual pursuits and ascetic life. Traditional iconography includes the lion, a companion from the Golden Legend narrative, and a sleeping dog, often signifying loyalty and a recurring motif in Dürer's art. A cross on the table and a skull on the window ledge subtly allude to themes of mortality and resurrection.
Technique & Style
Saint Jerome in His Study exemplifies Dürer's sophisticated command of copper engraving. This printmaking technique allowed the artist to achieve remarkable detail and texture through incised lines on a metal plate. The precise rendering of architectural elements, textiles, and the varied surfaces of objects demonstrates the meticulous skill required for the medium, contributing to the print's overall sense of depth and realism.
Context
The portrayal of Saint Jerome, particularly the inclusion of the lion and dog, draws from popular narratives found in the Golden Legend. This medieval collection of hagiographies provided fanciful accounts of saints' lives, shaping their visual representation in art. Dürer's work reflects the widespread familiarity with these stories during the Renaissance, grounding the saint's scholarly image within a broader cultural and religious context.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
