St. Jerome 1472

Antonello da Messina painted this depiction of St. Jerome, likely during the 15th century, capturing him in a moment of scholarly devotion. His attire, particularly the hat, signals his status as a cardinal, yet it’s the book that truly defines him. The book: the essence of knowledge, a motif that echoes across history from ancient scrolls to illuminated manuscripts. Consider the act of reading—a deeply human endeavor. The book symbolizes wisdom and divine truth, yet also serves as a mirror reflecting our own quest for understanding. This echoes the same symbolic weight as seen on classical sculptures depicting philosophers holding scrolls, where books are often used to represent knowledge. The act of studying and interpreting texts carries a psychological weight—an attempt to unravel the mysteries of existence, a continuous cycle of human inquiry across generations. It is a symbol of hope and enlightenment, continually resurfacing throughout history and forever evolving in meaning.