Landscape with Saint Jerome at left looking towards lion and bear fighting at center; two figures with mule in the background 1525 - 1540

Domenico Campagnola created this print, "Landscape with Saint Jerome," in the 16th century, a time of great religious and artistic change. Campagnola, an Italian painter and printmaker, situates Saint Jerome, known for his translation of the Bible, within a dynamic landscape filled with both serenity and conflict. The print reflects the era's fascination with both classical and Christian themes. Jerome, traditionally depicted in peaceful contemplation, is here a witness to the raw, untamed power of nature, as a lion and bear fight in the center of the image. This juxtaposition speaks to the internal conflicts experienced by individuals during the Reformation, torn between spiritual devotion and worldly concerns. Campagnola uses the landscape, to explore themes of human struggle, and spiritual seeking. The detailed lines and shading in the print invite a close, careful viewing, reflecting a period where art was not just about aesthetic beauty but also about engaging deeply with moral and intellectual ideas. It reminds us of our own place within the broader tapestry of history and faith.