Heilige Hieronymus in de wildernis c. 1535 - 1575

This drawing shows Saint Jerome in the wilderness, and it was created anonymously. See how Jerome kneels before a crucifix in a dense forest, a lion resting peacefully nearby? Here we encounter motifs deeply rooted in Christian iconography, particularly the theme of repentance and devotion. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and royalty, becomes a figure of humility and companionship to the saint. It echoes the ancient myth of Androcles, where a lion is healed and tamed. Similarly, this transformation in the life of Saint Jerome underscores a motif that resonates across cultures and centuries: the power of redemption. This image engages us on a deep, subconscious level through the collective memory of stories of taming the wild beast, reflecting our own internal struggles and the desire for inner peace. Through the ages, this symbol of the tamed lion continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, adapting to different cultural contexts while preserving its core message of transformation and spiritual awakening.