Saint Gerome 1891

Timothy Cole created this engraving, Saint Gerome, which is now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Cole, born in London, immigrated to the United States as a child, and became known for his wood engravings, particularly his reproductions of Old Master paintings. Here, Saint Gerome, a towering figure in Christian history, is depicted in his study, surrounded by books and writing implements. Gerome was a scholar who translated the Bible into Latin. Cole's engraving captures him in a moment of contemplation, perhaps grappling with the complexities of language, theology and translation. As you gaze upon this image, consider the weight of tradition and the artist’s role in interpreting historical and religious narratives. Think about the intense work of translation, not just of texts, but of images across time.