St. Jerome and the Lion 

Scott Gustafson presents us with "St. Jerome and the Lion," a whimsical take on the classic subject. Jerome was a 4th Century monk, translator of the Bible, and Doctor of the Church. Gustafson’s composition softens the often severe depictions of the saint. Here Jerome and the lion are portrayed with a gentle humor, highlighting the bond between man and beast. Jerome is typically represented as an old, ascetic scholar and the lion as a symbol of strength. This is turned on its head in the animal's languid pose that suggests a domesticated cat, rather than a fearsome predator. Gustafson’s illustration invites viewers to reconsider traditional narratives by infusing them with humor and humanity. The work taps into our empathy, blurring the lines between the sacred and the everyday, the powerful and the vulnerable.