Saint Jerome c. 1585

Editor: This is Saint Jerome, an engraving by Anton Wierix II. It seems to be from a book. I find the detailed interior setting really interesting. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this image? Curator: Well, depictions of Saint Jerome became increasingly popular as the printing press spread, furthering humanist ideals. Wierix presents Jerome as a scholar, surrounded by books, a skull, and other signifiers of knowledge and mortality. Note the lion—what do you think his inclusion suggests? Editor: Maybe the power of faith, or how knowledge can tame even the wildest beast? It's definitely a powerful image. Curator: Precisely. Prints like these circulated widely, influencing public perception of religious figures and their role in society. It's fascinating to consider how these images were both devotional objects and political tools. Editor: I see what you mean. It's more than just a religious scene; it reflects the socio-political dynamics of the time. Curator: Exactly. It highlights the complex interplay between art, religion, and power in the early modern period.