Saint Jerome Reading 1500 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer created this delicate, small-scale engraving called "Saint Jerome Reading." Saint Jerome was known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate, and here, Altdorfer depicts him in a moment of scholarly contemplation. It’s fascinating to consider how Jerome’s identity as a scholar and translator intersects with the dissemination of religious knowledge during the Reformation. The printing press, which was gaining momentum in the 16th century, enabled the broad distribution of texts and played a significant role in shaping religious and intellectual discourse. Look closely at the landscape outside the window, offering a glimpse of the world beyond Jerome’s study, a world that his translations sought to interpret. The inclusion of the lion, a traditional attribute of Saint Jerome, adds another layer to the narrative, symbolizing his mastery over the natural world and the integration of classical learning with Christian ideals. Ultimately, Altdorfer’s engraving invites us to consider the complex relationship between faith, knowledge, and the changing cultural landscape of the Renaissance.