Saint Jerome (c. 342–420 AD) was a theologian, writer, and hermit known for the first Latin translation of the Bible, the Vulgate. After the Council of Trent declared the Vulgate as the official translation of the Bible, Saint Jerome became a popular figure in 17th and 18th-century art. Jerome spent four years in the desert, and as a result, in many images, the artists paid considerable attention to the mountainous landscape details. Most commonly, the saint was depicted as a penitent with a cloth around his hips, appearing gaunt and weary. He was often portrayed almost nude, even if the work featured him writing a book, as this was the typical representation of penitent hermits. The painting’s author presented the saint in a comfortable pose with a book on his knees amidst a beautiful landscape with a river, evoking contemplation and mindful reverence.