De Heilige Hiëronymus in zijn studeervertrek 1511

This depiction of Saint Jerome in his study was created anonymously using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands meticulous skill. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, likely copper, which then would have been inked and pressed onto paper. Notice how the density of the engraved lines creates a sense of depth and shadow, defining the textures of Jerome's robes, the lion's fur, and the objects in the room. Every detail, from the hourglass to the crucifix, is rendered with incredible precision, achievable only through years of practice. The act of engraving, with its laborious and repetitive nature, mirrors the scholarly discipline of Saint Jerome himself, who dedicated his life to translating the Bible. The print, therefore, is not just an image, but also a testament to the value of skilled labor and intellectual pursuit, blurring the line between craft and fine art.