St Jerome Reading in an Italian Landscape, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1653
etching, h 261mm × w 210mm More details
St Jerome is often portrayed as a scholar in his study, accompanied by a lion. Rembrandt decided to show him reading quietly out in the open, wearing a straw hat. He has also removed his sandals, giving the overall impression of being completely at ease under the hot sun. Behind him, a convincingly portrayed lion stands guard courageously.