Landschap met lezende Hieronymus before 1600

This is an anonymous print titled "Landscape with Saint Jerome Reading" at the Rijksmuseum. It's a compelling image to think about identity, faith, and the pursuit of knowledge. Saint Jerome, a key figure in the early Church, is shown in a moment of contemplation. The landscape around him, while natural, feels constructed, as if the wilderness itself is a stage for his spiritual journey. Jerome lived as a hermit, dedicating himself to scholarship and the translation of the Bible into Latin. His identity is tied to both intellect and religious devotion. Consider how this image portrays the idea of male intellectualism, the solitary scholar, and the construction of religious authority. Jerome's act of translation was deeply political, it shaped the doctrines of the church and the ways in which people could access scripture. The etching asks us to think about the role of hermitage and the personal sacrifices people make in the pursuit of enlightenment. It captures a moment of profound intellectual and spiritual labor, reminding us of the complex relationship between faith, knowledge, and identity.