The artwork “St. Jerome by the Pollard Willow” is a drypoint piece created by the artist Albrecht Dürer in 1512, belonging to the Northern Renaissance movement. This religious painting, currently part of a private collection, showcases Dürer’s exceptional skill in rendering fine details and depth with the drypoint technique.
In the image, we observe St. Jerome, a well-known Christian scholar and translator of the Bible into Latin, portrayed in a contemplative pose. He is situated in a rustic setting, with a pollard willow to the right side of the composition, symbolizing resilience and flexibility. St. Jerome is depicted with a focused gaze upon a crucifix, signifying his devoutness and piety. The scene is further enriched with the presence of a tranquil lion lying at the Saint’s feet, nodding to the legend of Jerome removing a thorn from a lion’s paw, after which the beast became his companion. This anecdote highlights the themes of kindness and harmony with nature, common in stories of saints.
Dürer’s mastery of the drypoint medium is evident in the intricate textures and contrasts found throughout the piece, from the soft fur of the lion to the rugged bark of the tree and the detailed facial features of St. Jerome. The artwork captures a moment of serene contemplation and scholarly devotion, with iconographic elements that speak to the religious and moral virtues celebrated during the Renaissance.
