Fotoreproductie van de prent De Heilige Hiëronymus in zijn studeervertrek door Albrecht Dürer before 1870

This photogravure reproduces Albrecht Dürer’s engraving of Saint Jerome in his study, an image filled with symbols of deep spiritual meaning. Jerome, a scholar, is depicted in a serene domestic setting, highlighting the virtues of contemplation and learning. Note the lion, a recurring motif in depictions of Jerome. Tradition has it that Jerome removed a thorn from the lion’s paw, and the grateful beast became his loyal companion. This tale mirrors similar stories of men befriending lions—from Androcles in Roman legend to other Christian saints. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and royalty, becomes a symbol of loyalty and devotion, softened within the context of Jerome’s peaceful study. This transformation of the lion reflects a broader pattern: ancient symbols, once tied to primal forces, are reinterpreted through the lens of Christian morality. The act of taming the lion symbolizes the triumph of intellect and spirituality over instinct, resonating with our collective yearning for harmony. This interplay of intellect and primal emotion makes the image so compelling. As this symbol evolves through art history, it reveals our persistent need to reconcile the wild and the civilized aspects of human existence, manifesting in new ways across the ages.