Saint Jerome kneeling before a crucifix, with a skull and lion 1545 - 1565

This drawing of Saint Jerome, made by Battista Franco around the mid-16th century, is rendered in pen and brown ink, heightened with white gouache, on paper. It shows how even a humble medium like ink can be elevated to astonishing heights through skill and labor. Notice the cross-hatching throughout the image. Franco used this technique to build up tone and suggest depth, creating a range of light and shadow with just a single pen. Look closely at the figure's anatomy, the folds of his drapery, the texture of the lion’s mane, and the rough rocky setting. The density of the lines speaks to the artist’s meticulousness, and the sheer time it must have taken to complete. The image exemplifies the central importance of manual skill, and in doing so it challenges us to consider the social status of those who work with their hands. By appreciating the labor involved in creating this drawing, we can move beyond simply admiring its beauty, recognizing instead the rich history of artistic production that it embodies.