Saint Jerome in Bethlehem Bartolomeo (Cincani) Montagna (c.1450-1523)

The composition presents a figure seated upon a rocky outcrop within a landscape dominated by architectural structures and dense foliage. The man, draped in a brown habit, leans against a tree trunk, his gaze directed towards an open book held in his left hand. A staff rests beside him, leaning against the tree. At his feet lies a lion cub, seemingly docile and unafraid of its human companion.
The landscape unfolds in layers, receding into the distance. Immediately behind the figure is a thicket of vegetation, obscuring much of the terrain. Beyond this, a small village appears nestled amongst rolling hills. The architecture is notable: a large, imposing building with multiple windows and a prominent staircase dominates the scene, suggesting an institutional or monastic setting. Further back, mountains rise against a dusky sky, hinting at vastness and remoteness.
Several smaller figures populate the landscape. Some appear to be engaged in everyday activities – tending livestock, walking along paths – while others are positioned near the large building, possibly indicating inhabitants or visitors. A small bird is perched on the ground near the lion cub, adding a touch of natural detail.
The arrangement of elements suggests a deliberate interplay between human and animal, civilization and wilderness, contemplation and action. The presence of the lion cub, traditionally associated with Saint Jerome’s legend, introduces an element of divine grace or protection. It implies a harmony between the spiritual life and the natural world.
The architectural backdrop, particularly the imposing building, may symbolize intellectual pursuits, religious devotion, or perhaps even the comforts of earthly existence that the figure has chosen to renounce. The landscape itself, with its combination of wildness and cultivated space, could represent the internal struggle between worldly desires and spiritual aspirations. The subdued color palette – dominated by browns, greens, and muted yellows – contributes to a sense of solemnity and introspection.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation within a complex symbolic framework.