Saint Jerome Writing 1522

Hans Springinklee created this woodcut, *Saint Jerome Writing*, likely in the first quarter of the sixteenth century. Notice how the sharp lines and the contrast between light and dark define the architectural space occupied by Saint Jerome. The composition is structured by a series of receding arches, which create a sense of depth and draw the eye towards the landscape beyond. The lines composing this image are not just descriptive; they are structural, defining the forms and volumes within the space. This use of line emphasizes the materiality of the print itself, drawing attention to its construction. The texture created through the density and direction of the lines adds a tactile quality to the image. It challenges our perception, inviting us to consider the relationship between the depicted scene and the physical reality of the artwork. Through the detailed lines and the interplay of light and shadow, Springinklee invites us to consider the deeper structure of visual representation itself.