Saint Jerome reading with the Lion 1500

Andrea Mantegna's "Saint Jerome reading with the Lion," a powerful silverpoint drawing from 1500, depicts the revered Saint Jerome engrossed in his studies. Known for his translation of the Bible, Jerome is often associated with the lion, a symbol of his conquest over evil and his devotion to solitude and scholarship. Mantegna masterfully captures Jerome's intense concentration, his gaze fixed on the open book, while the lion's presence adds a sense of quiet strength and companionship. This drawing embodies the artist's signature style, known for its meticulous detail, dramatic perspective, and masterful use of light and shadow.