Virgin and Child with Saint Jerome at left 1822

This engraving shows the Virgin and Child with Saint Jerome, made by Francesco Bartolozzi. Dominating the left is Saint Jerome, often depicted with a lion, a symbol from the story where he removes a thorn from the animal’s paw. The lion here represents not just the saint's compassion but also his strength and royal dignity. Consider how often we see the lion motif throughout history— from ancient Egyptian monuments to heraldic emblems. The image of the lion has persisted, embodying different cultural meanings. It appears both as a symbol of power and a representation of guardianship. Here, its presence alongside Saint Jerome adds layers of meaning to the image. It evokes feelings of protection and reverence. The image of the saint as a benevolent figure evokes a sense of timeless continuity, connecting this eighteenth-century work to millennia of human symbolism. A testament to how symbols are continually adapted, re-emerging across ages.