Bono da Ferrara – Saint Jerome in a Landscape Part 1 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a solitary figure situated within a dramatic landscape. A bearded man, clad in monastic robes, occupies the foreground, seated on a rocky outcrop. He appears contemplative, his gaze directed downwards towards a partially unfurled scroll resting at his feet alongside several bound volumes. A large lion lies peacefully at his side, its head resting gently upon the ground, creating an immediate visual contrast between potential ferocity and tranquil coexistence.
The landscape itself is rendered with considerable detail and depth. Jagged rock formations dominate the middle ground, receding into a hazy distance where a structure resembling a fortified building or monastery can be discerned atop one of the peaks. A small herd of deer graze on a rocky plateau elevated above the main scene, adding an element of pastoral serenity to the overall atmosphere. The sky is painted with a muted palette of blues and yellows, suggesting either dawn or dusk.
The artist’s use of light contributes significantly to the paintings mood. Light falls primarily upon the figure and the lion, highlighting their forms against the darker backdrop of the landscape. This selective illumination draws attention to the central narrative element – the man’s interaction with the animal. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection and spiritual contemplation.
Subtexts within the work suggest themes of renunciation, wisdom, and divine protection. The presence of the lion, traditionally associated with Christ or a symbol of strength tamed through faith, implies a victory over base instincts and an embrace of piety. The books scattered at his feet likely represent scholarship and intellectual pursuits abandoned in favor of a life dedicated to spiritual devotion. The distant structure on the hilltop could symbolize a destination – either literal or metaphorical – representing a higher state of being or enlightenment. The deer grazing peacefully above suggest innocence, purity, and harmony with nature – qualities that the figure may be striving towards.
The composition’s vertical format reinforces the sense of aspiration and spiritual elevation, while the dark framing borders emphasize the isolation of the individual within this symbolic landscape.