Saint Jerome c. 1631

This print of Saint Jerome was made by Jan Georg van Vliet, an artist active in the 17th century. Jerome, translator of the Vulgate Bible, is shown in a moment of scholarly work, surrounded by symbols of his life as a hermit and theologian. Note how the hourglass stands prominently on the table beside Jerome, a potent symbol of mortality and the fleeting nature of time. We see this emblem echoing through artistic history, from medieval vanitas paintings reminding us of life's brevity, to contemporary works exploring existential themes. The hourglass, however, is not merely a memento mori; it is a call to action. Like the figures in countless artworks across time, Jerome understands that time is a precious resource, urging him to pursue knowledge and truth, a sentiment which resonates deeply in our collective consciousness. This image speaks to the timeless human quest for meaning in the face of mortality.