Saint Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape

Saint Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1653, is a superb example of the artist's late mastery of graphic arts. This print utilizes the complex, multi-layered technique of etching, combined with engraving, and enhanced by the rich, velvety tones characteristic of drypoint. This hybrid approach allowed Rijn to achieve an unusual depth and variation in his line work, setting his 17th-century prints apart from many contemporaries in the Dutch Golden Age.

The subject, Saint Jerome, one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church, is shown immersed in a sprawling, somewhat stylized Italian landscape, rather than his typical study or cave setting. This scenic environment reflects the classical and dramatic landscape influences popular during the period of 1651 to 1700. Rijn depicts the saint engrossed in his studies, concentrating on the translation of the Vulgate. The expert use of chiaroscuro, often accentuated by the drypoint burr, draws the viewer's eye directly to the contemplative figure, emphasizing themes of personal piety and disciplined scholarship that resonated strongly within contemporary Dutch culture.

This work is an important piece within the artist's graphic catalog and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Rijn’s prolific output in printmaking ensured wide circulation of his images during his lifetime and secured his lasting reputation. Today, the enduring legacy of this original print means that high-resolution reproductions are often made available through museum initiatives, with some classified as being in the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide access to study this masterful work.