Saint Jerome beside a Pollard Willow

Saint Jerome beside a Pollard Willow is a masterful print created by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1648. This work, executed using the complex intaglio techniques of etching and drypoint, exemplifies Rijn’s technical maturity during his late period of printmaking. Produced during the height of the Baroque era (classified specifically in the period of 1601 to 1650), this piece captures the solemn religious devotion prevalent in 17th-century Northern European art.

The subject is Saint Jerome, the scholar and church father traditionally depicted in ascetic contemplation, often in the wilderness. Rijn renders the saint kneeling, engrossed in reading, beneath the distinct and massive silhouette of a pollard willow tree. The atmosphere emphasizes seclusion, with the tree and surrounding natural elements shielding the saint from the external world. Rijn’s choice of etching combined with drypoint allows him to achieve dramatic tonal contrasts. The drypoint additions introduce soft, velvety burr lines, creating deep shadows and textural complexity that heighten the sense of piety and quiet solitude central to Jerome’s narrative.

This work stands as one of the significant religious prints produced by Rijn late in his career, showcasing his ability to blend technical precision with profound psychological depth. The focus on light and shadow is characteristic of the Dutch tradition of the time, allowing Rijn to define space and emotion simultaneously. Classified simply as a print, this exceptional impression is preserved within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As with many works by this influential master, high-quality images and prints of this graphic artwork are frequently released into the public domain, making Rijn’s distinctive contribution to the history of art widely accessible.