Hieronymus 1725 - 1748

Paul van Somer II created this engraving, Hieronymus, during the latter half of the 17th century, a period marked by significant religious and intellectual shifts in Europe. Here, St. Jerome is depicted not in the grandeur of a church, but in quiet contemplation amidst nature. Note how he’s presented with a blend of vulnerability and strength: his aging body is exposed, yet he sits upright, deeply engrossed in his scholarly work. The landscape and the saint's concentration evoke a sense of withdrawal from worldly concerns, emphasizing instead a focus on spiritual and intellectual pursuits. Van Somer presents St. Jerome as a man devoted to translation and scripture—a task that would have been seen as radical at the time. Consider how this image may reflect the changing attitudes toward religion and the growing importance of individual interpretation during the Reformation and post-Reformation eras. It invites us to consider the intersection of faith, intellect, and the personal journey towards understanding.