Saint Jerome Beside a Pollard Willow

Date1648

Maker Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669

Label TextThe studious saint works on his translation of the Gospels beneath a gnarled old willow tree as a lion, his steadfast companion, waits nearby. Rembrandt only sketchily indicated the landscape, but he detailed the rough surface of the tree, using dense hatching and stippling to supply irregularities and shadows. In the foreground, traces of drypoint are visible-the artist dragged a needle directly into the plate, leaving a velvety burr behind. With this technique, only about fifteen prints can be pulled before the burr wears down.

Object number53.186

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Durer, Rembrandt, and Goya: Old Masters Prints from the Seattle Art Museum Collection, May 31, 2001 - January 1, 2002. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Rembrandt Prints From The Seattle Art Museum's Permanent Collection, in conjunction with "Dutch and Flemish Paintings: The Harold Samuel Collection" June 3 - July 25, 1993. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, SAM on Paper: Rembrandt's Etchings, May 27, 2024 - ongoing (on view September 2024 - March 2025).

Credit LineGift of Dr. Leo Wallerstein

Dimensions7 1/16 x 5 1/4 in. (18 x 13.3 cm)

MediumEtching and drypoint