H. Hieronymus, lezend 1595

Jan Nagel created this drawing of Saint Jerome in the early 17th century, using pen and brown ink and brown wash. The figure of Saint Jerome, absorbed in scripture, speaks volumes about the artist's cultural milieu. Jerome's contemplative posture and the lion at his side are not merely illustrative; they are potent symbols. The lion, often shown with Jerome, embodies both the saint's mastery over the natural world and his compassionate nature. We see echoes of this motif in depictions of other saintly figures across various epochs, where animals symbolize spiritual dominion or companionship. Consider, for instance, how the gesture of reading, deeply associated with Jerome, reappears in countless images of scholars and prophets throughout history. This act becomes a powerful reminder of humanity's quest for knowledge and understanding. The recurring presence of such symbols underscores the enduring power of collective memory, reminding us of the cyclical nature of images and ideas across time.