Basic Information

Historical Context

The celebrated Meisterstich engraving of Saint Jerome, one of three master engravings created by Dürer in 1513-1514. The engraving represents the contemplative life — scholarly devotion and inner peace achieved through faith and learning. [Inferred from Dürer Catalog] Visual Description Saint Jerome sits at a writing desk in a well-ordered study bathed in warm light through a mullioned window. Cardinal's robes, pen and book. Crucifix, bookshelves, cushions, slippers, two dogs, hanging gourd. Lion rests foreground. Peaceful landscape through window with church spire. Artistic Analysis Where the Knight is dense and dark, Saint Jerome is open and flooded with light — contrasting two virtuous life paths. Dürer creates dappled sunlight and atmospheric depth using only copper lines. The study is a humanist ideal portrait: books, natural light, cardinal's hat, crucifix — faith and learning in harmony.