Der Heilige Hieronymus

Saint Jerome

Saint Jerome holds a rock and gazes at a crucifix. In his right hand is a book, presumably the Bible which he had translated into Latin. Below this are the cardinal's robes and hat with which Saint Jerome was traditionally depicted. To the right is the lion from whose paw the saint removed a thorn, and two birds, a goldfinch and a bullfinch, beside a stream.

According to his legend, Jerome lived for a period as a hermit in the wilderness. There, in remorse for his sins, he would beat his chest with rocks.