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Saint Jerome
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St. Jerome in his Study is a profoundly detailed engraving by Albrecht Durer. I personally like this print because it so detailed at every point. I also appreciate the picture due to the quality of craftsmanship required to complete something of the engraving’s magnitude. Engraving at this time was limited to two colors black and white. Using two colors limits different color and light in the print. This Print reminds me of my own scholastic environment. I need a place to study that is unique to my own comfort. Durer attempts to depict St. Jerome’s personal study, with random tools and attributes placed uniquely all around. I don’t have attributes, because obviously I am no saint, however I do have a certain things that I enjoy listening too or looking at while I am reading, studying, researching, or just relaxing. Just like St. Jerome I have my bed and many pillows in my study. This piece in my mind brought comparison between a study now in the 21st century compared to a 4th century study in a 16th century architectural structure. I personally feel the artist of the engraving put certain objects in certain places to give the depiction of St. Jerome studying in his study. The attributes and objects are uniquely his own. The study in this print looks as if it may be a corner of larger room because the shelf on the back wall cuts off; but the wall could continue. Also on the bottom left of the print there is a big cement pillar, when looking carefully at the bottom left corner there is symmetrically equal shading across the pillar. Suggesting there is another window directly on the left right before the pillar. The stair case could just be and entrance way from another room. It is hard to determine because of the color and shade is not one hundred percent distinct Engravings like this leave a lot of space for interpretation due to the contrasting problems between light and color. Working with engravings has many disadvantages, because the engraving print only comes in limited colors, black, grey, and white. Color and bright light help bring out more emphasis on areas or the whole print itself. Since color cannot be displayed, the contrast from black to white is the only way to represent light, shadow, and physical detail in the picture. In the case of St. Jerome in his Study the limited colors actually benefit the detail of the print. The engraving uses light and shadow often to display depth and vivid detail. Where the lighter colors are the objects of that area are detailed. Durer uses the contrast of black and white to give sequence to the viewer’s focal attention while viewing this print. When looking directly at the picture the areas with lighter or brighter colors grab your attention immediately with extreme detail. Darker or dimmer engravings normally have detail in environment and a definite form of depth. The center of the picture is St. Jerome working at his table. Surrounding him are objects that one might find in his study, including some of his saintly attributes. The center of the print is at the back of the study. Details shown by light and shadowing bring out the depth of the study. The light source in this print comes directly from the windows. The study is only lit up in certain areas where the light would shine through the windows into the room; these areas are given extreme detail in their appearance.
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