Saint Jerome by the Pollard Willow 1512

Albrecht Dürer’s 1512 engraving, “Saint Jerome by the Pollard Willow,” depicts the patron saint of scholars, Saint Jerome, kneeling in prayer in a rocky landscape with a lion at his feet. The engraving is a powerful example of Dürer’s mastery of detail and his ability to create a sense of depth and space. The intricate rendering of the rocks, the willow tree, and Saint Jerome’s clothing creates a sense of realism that is typical of Dürer’s work. The lion's presence emphasizes the solitude of Jerome's life of contemplation and study, while the text he holds suggests his devotion to scripture. The image highlights the themes of faith and intellectual pursuit that were central to Dürer's own life and work.