The “St Jerome” woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1492, is an example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is classified as a religious painting, illustrating a scene with the saint. The work is currently held in the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin, Germany.
This artwork presents a densely detailed composition featuring St. Jerome, who is commonly depicted in Christian iconography. He is shown inside a room that serves as his study. The room is filled with a variety of objects, highlighting Dürer’s skill in woodcut techniques and attention to detail. St. Jerome, dressed in robing typically associated with religious figures, is seated with a book in his hand, signifying his scholarly pursuit. Notably, a lion, which is part of the iconography associated with Jerome, is at his feet, looking up at him with a sense of calmness and trust. The setting includes a draped bed, suggesting a domestic space, and an elaborate writing desk that is laden with books and papers, emphasizing the saint’s role as a translator and scholar. Through a window, one can observe a distant landscape, contributing to the depth and framing of the scene. The overall intricate detailing of both the interior and exterior elements showcases Dürer’s mastery in capturing texture and depth within the constraints of woodcut media.
