Saint Jerome in His Study

Saint Jerome in His Study is a celebrated masterpiece of graphic art created by Albrecht Dürer in 1514. This highly detailed engraving on laid paper is recognized as one of Dürer’s three Meisterstiche (Master Engravings), exemplifying the technical and intellectual apex of German printmaking during the period of 1501 to 1550. The work resides in the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art.

The engraving depicts Saint Jerome, the scholar and translator of the Latin Vulgate, seated in his comfortable, sun-drenched study, engrossed in his work. Dürer constructs the interior using meticulous linear perspective, drawing the viewer’s eye through the arched windows and deep into the space. The setting is rich in detail characteristic of the Northern Renaissance, portraying an environment of contemplative scholarship, complete with precise renderings of architectural elements, wooden paneling, and various scholarly tools.

Dürer utilized the demanding medium of engraving to achieve subtle gradations of light and shadow, lending a serene atmosphere to the saint’s concentrated labor. Jerome is surrounded by traditional attributes: the cardinal’s hat hangs on the wall, signifying his ecclesiastical rank, while the tame lion, legendary companion to the saint, sleeps peacefully in the foreground alongside a dog. Symbolic references abound, including the skull positioned on the window sill and the hourglass, serving as quiet reminders of mortality (memento mori).

The technical virtuosity displayed in this work cemented Dürer's reputation as the preeminent master of prints. The complexity of the composition and the depth of meaning have ensured its enduring influence on art history. As a foundational piece of German cultural heritage, high-quality images of this influential engraving are widely available, with many original impressions and modern prints existing today, accessible through various public domain collections globally.