St Jerome beside a pollard willow

St Jerome beside a pollard willow is a remarkable print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1648. Executed on paper, this highly detailed work showcases Rijn’s unparalleled technical skill as a printmaker during the Dutch Golden Age. While many of his contemporaries focused solely on oil painting, Rijn embraced etching and drypoint to achieve rich textural effects and profound depth of shadow, exemplified in this solemn depiction of the contemplative saint.

The composition centers on St. Jerome, one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church, traditionally shown either in penitence or engaged in scholarship. Here, Rijn places the aged figure in a sparse, quiet wilderness setting next to the distinctive, cropped silhouette of a pollard willow, suggesting solitude and introspection. The intense contrast between light and shadow characteristic of Rijn’s style directs the viewer's attention to Jerome’s solitary state. The meticulous rendering of the surrounding foliage and the textures achieved through the printmaking process emphasize the humble and devotional atmosphere associated with the saint's later life.

Dating from the middle of the 17th century, this iconic piece is part of the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum. Rijn's extensive body of prints, particularly those focused on religious and narrative subjects like St Jerome beside a pollard willow, remains highly influential. As a result of the work’s age and cultural significance, high-quality digital reproductions of the original print are often accessible through public domain collections, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study the enduring technical mastery of the Dutch master.