Heilige Hieronymus lopend in woestijn 1519

This engraving, made around 1519 by Sebald Beham, depicts Saint Jerome wandering in the desert, a subject laden with symbolism. We see Jerome with his loyal companion, the lion, and holding both a book and a stone. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and royalty, here represents Jerome’s dominion over his primal instincts. Note that a halo emanating from Jerome's head, signals sanctity and divine enlightenment. Consider the stone he holds in his hand – a tool for self-mortification, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil and repentance. This act of penance, of disciplining the self, resonates with ancient ascetic practices, echoing in depictions of flagellants and hermits throughout art history. The imagery is powerful, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking empathy and introspection. The stone, the lion, and the halo, each symbol a repository of cultural memory, resurface through history, evolving and taking on new meanings, yet forever linked to the timeless human quest for redemption and understanding.