Saint Jerome in the Wilderness
1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1628
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Saint Jerome in the Wilderness is a 1628 ink by Herman van Swanevelt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a rocky hillside with two people sitting near the bottom. One looks like they’re reading or praying, while the other rests beside them. Above them, a lion stands near a large tree, its branches spreading across the scene. The sky is light, with wispy clouds, and the landscape has rough textures—sharp rocks and tangled bushes. The lion’s calm presence next to the person reading is unusual. It suggests a story of quiet companionship, not danger. Check out etching to see how artists like Swanevelt created detailed prints like this.
