Saint Jerome by the Pollard Willow

Saint Jerome by the Pollard Willow, created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512, is a profound example of Northern Renaissance printmaking and an early exploration of the drypoint medium by the German master. Unlike his widely produced woodcuts and line engravings, Dürer experimented with drypoint only sparingly, a challenging technique where a needle is dragged directly across the copper plate. This process raises a delicate burr of metal, which holds the ink and produces the uniquely soft, velvety lines and rich tonal variations evident across the surface of the work.

The composition depicts Saint Jerome, the scholar and translator of the Latin Vulgate, positioned in the quiet solitude of the wilderness. Dürer’s skillful arrangement places the saint seated contemplatively beneath the eponymous Pollard Willow, its pruned form providing a stark, vertical counterpoint to the figure. Traditional iconography is meticulously included to identify the ascetic hermit: the penitent Cross is visible behind him, and the legendary tamed Lion rests peacefully in the lower right foreground. Dürer often used these landscape settings to emphasize the spiritual interiority of his subjects, a characteristic feature of his religious prints.

Produced during the height of Dürer’s career, this drypoint showcases his exceptional ability to render volume and texture through line work. The detailing of the foliage and the rough hide of the Lion contrast with the serene expression of Saint Jerome, lending the piece a powerful sense of introspection. An impression of this significant work currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major print by Dürer, this piece frequently features in scholarly research, and high-quality images of the artwork are widely accessible through public domain resources, ensuring continued study of the master’s innovative printmaking techniques.