Landschap met lezende Hieronymus c. 1565 - 1800

Cornelis Cort created this engraving, Landscape with Saint Jerome Reading, in the 16th century. The print plunges us into a world meticulously crafted with stark lines. Cort masterfully uses cross-hatching to build volume and texture. Notice how the light catches the craggy rocks and the delicate leaves of the trees, creating a palpable sense of depth and space. Jerome is depicted in a serene landscape, yet the scene is far from tranquil. The lion, a symbol of his transformed nature, lies near. The skull, hourglass and crucifix serve as memento mori, underscoring the transient nature of life and the importance of spiritual devotion. The landscape is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative; it's a stage upon which the drama of human existence unfolds. Cort’s work invites us to consider how symbols and settings can profoundly shape our understanding and appreciation of the piece.