Blackwork Design with Saint Jerome 1615

This 1615 blackwork design by Matthias Beitler depicts Saint Jerome in a contemplative pose, kneeling in the wilderness. A lion and a skull, symbols of his life as a hermit, are at his feet. A crucifix and a tree are to the right, and birds perch on the branches above. This small, intricate engraving exemplifies the meticulous detail and expressive power of the artist’s work. Saint Jerome, a prominent theologian and translator of the Bible, was a popular subject for artists in the 16th and 17th centuries, with his story of isolation and dedication resonating with audiences.