Saint Jerome 1585 - 1634

Pieter de Jode I made this print of Saint Jerome. Here, Jerome appears as a gaunt and aged figure, his gaze fixed on the crucifix, set against the backdrop of a cave. This image resonates with the broader social and cultural currents of 17th-century Europe, particularly within the context of the Catholic Church. This print reflects the period's interest in themes of repentance, devotion, and the power of religious contemplation. The image creates meaning through the use of visual codes such as the skull, symbolizing mortality, the lion representing Jerome's legend, and the overall somber tone. De Jode was working in Antwerp, Belgium, and this image shows the influence of the Counter-Reformation, a movement that sought to reaffirm Catholic doctrine in response to the Protestant Reformation. To truly understand this artwork, a historian might consult theological texts, explore the social and political context of the Counter-Reformation, and delve into the patronage networks that supported artistic production in Antwerp.