Landscape with Saint Jerome and Two Lions

Domenico Campagnola made woodcuts primarily to mimic his drawings for a growing collector’s market. In this image of Saint Jerome, who retreated to the wilderness as an act of penitence, Campagnola focused not on the saint’s devotion to the cross, nor to the Bible, but rather on his contemplation of nature. Domenico’s portrayal of nature has pastoral elements, such as travelers or shepherds, and emphasizes variety, including a stream, mountain peaks, a cave, clusters of trees, and a playful conflict between two lions.