Saint Jerome extracting a thorn from the lion's paw 1500 - 1510

Giovanni Battista Palumba created this engraving, Saint Jerome extracting a thorn from the lion's paw, in the early 16th century. The composition immediately draws our eye to the foreground. A gaunt Saint Jerome is hunched over, attending to a lion whose posture suggests both trust and vulnerability. The stark, linear quality of the engraving emphasizes the contrast between the saint’s delicate touch and the lion’s powerful form. The detailed lines create a rich, textured surface, and the contrast between light and shadow gives depth to the scene. Beyond the figures, the landscape—cascading rocks, trees, and distant buildings—frames the central interaction, using nature to highlight Jerome's act of compassion. This engraving is more than a religious scene; it's a study in the humanist values of the Renaissance, emphasizing empathy and harmony between humanity and nature. The formal structure of the artwork—the careful balance of line, texture, and composition—serves to underscore these philosophical themes, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of care and coexistence.