Hieronymus in de wildernis 1534 - 1587

Giovanni Battista Fontana created this print, Hieronymus in de wildernis, sometime in the late 16th century using etching. During the late Renaissance, religious and historical narratives were often reimagined through the lens of humanist values. Here, Saint Jerome is depicted in the wilderness, a popular subject during the Renaissance, reflecting themes of penitence and scholarly devotion. Note how Jerome’s aged and gaunt appearance is emphasized, a visual representation of his ascetic life. His connection with the lion is particularly interesting; this symbolizes his act of removing a thorn from the lion’s paw, thus, according to legend, domesticating the wild beast. Contrast the traditional religious symbolism with the emotionality captured by Fontana, which invites viewers to connect with Jerome’s personal struggle and spiritual journey. The print thus blends religious storytelling with humanistic ideals, reflecting the cultural shifts of its time.