St Jerome in the wilderness 1627

This 1627 drawing by Jacopo Palma (il Giovane) depicts St. Jerome in the wilderness. The saint, known for his translation of the Bible and his solitary life, is shown kneeling with his hands clasped in prayer. His gaze is directed upwards towards a radiant light source, symbolizing divine inspiration. In the background, a skull and an open book represent Jerome’s contemplation of death and scripture. The presence of a lion at his feet alludes to the biblical story of Jerome taming a lion, illustrating the saint's courage and ability to overcome adversity. This drawing is a testament to Palma's ability to capture both the spiritual and physical aspects of the saint’s life.