The artwork titled “Saint Jerome and the Lion,” created by Rogier van der Weyden in 1450, is an oil painting on a panel that belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is a religious painting depicting the story of Saint Jerome and the lion and is housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts, located in Detroit, MI, USA.
The artwork depicts Saint Jerome, a revered theologian and translator of the Bible, seated in a rocky landscape, carefully removing a thorn from a lion’s paw. Saint Jerome is portrayed with a serene expression, wearing a distinct red robe that signifies his cardinalship, and a white garment beneath it. An open book, possibly representing the Vulgate Bible he translated, rests beside him. The lion, with a somewhat anthropomorphized expression of gratitude and patience, leans towards Jerome, emphasizing the saint’s compassion and wisdom. The background features a grotto-like setting with rugged terrain, and another figure is visible in the distance, perhaps highlighting the solitude and dedication of Saint Jerome to his scholarly and spiritual pursuits. The meticulous detailing and use of color are characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style, embodying the era’s devotion to religious subjects and precise craftsmanship.
