St. Jerome in Penitence

c. 1497
(German, 1471–1528)
Image: 32 x 22.5 cm (12 5/8 x 8 7/8 in.); Sheet: 32 x 22.5 cm (12 5/8 x 8 7/8 in.)
Catalogue raisonné: Meder 57c
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Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

According to legend, after he aided a lion by pulling a thorn from its paw, it became Saint Jerome's permanent companion.

Description

This print shows Albrecht Dürer’s interpretation of Saint Jerome in the wilderness. In this image, the saint is a gaunt
penitent who kneels in front of a small crucifix placed on top of a tree stump (a reference to Christ’s cross and the tree of knowledge), while holding a rock in his right hand. Jerome was said to have beat his chest with a rock to alleviate his frequent hallucinations. Dürer included several different plant species, all Northern European in origin, displaying his
dedication to the careful study and depiction of real plants.
St. Jerome in Penitence

St. Jerome in Penitence

c. 1497

Albrecht Dürer

(German, 1471–1528)
Germany, late 15th Century early 16th Century

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