Cover art by St. Jerome

The image of Saint Jerome in his study, painted by the Flemish artist Jan van Eyck around 1435, has been reproduced almost life-sized on the cover of a recent publication. This iconic depiction captures the saint in a warm, serene interior space, seated at a richly adorned table covered with dark green cloth. The high backrest of his chair evokes the image of a bishop’s cathedra, while his red robes and cardinal’s hat reflect both his scholarly and ecclesiastical status. His head is slightly bowed over an open book containing the Holy Scripture, and his right hand gently touches the page, as though listening to the living Word of God. In the niche behind him, books of varying sizes and an astrolabe, used for observing stars, are arranged, symbolizing his intellectual pursuit. A glass vessel labeled “TYRIRICA” sits atop a white apothecary jar, its contents serving as protection against snake bites. A red apple rests on the vessel, representing Christ's resurrection. Among the symbolic objects, a small glass reflects the light coming through a high window, hinting at the presence of the Holy Spirit illuminating Jerome’s contemplation. Saint Jerome, born around 347 and died in 420, dedicated his early years to the study of literature and languages. Shortly after his baptism in 366, he devoted his extraordinary talents to the service of God’s word. He lived an ascetic life of prayer and study, constantly engaging in lectio divina, the sacred reading and meditation of Scripture. Over decades of research, translation, and comparison of manuscripts, he produced the Vulgate, a collection of new and revised Latin translations of the Bible that became the official liturgical text of the Latin Church. Van Eyck positions the saint in a warm and peaceful interior, emphasizing both his scholarly and spiritual dimensions. The painting conveys the idea that the Word of God is not merely historical text but a living force shaping the lives of believers. The hourglass on the table reminds viewers of the fleeting nature of time and human mortality. At the saint’s feet lies a well-known relic, the thorn removed from his flesh by a serpent, which he exchanged for the serpent’s loyalty. This act symbolizes the triumph of faith over temptation. The phrase “Not knowing the Sacred Scripture is not knowing Christ” underscores the central role of Scripture in Christian life. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized that each Christian must live in personal dialogue with the Word of God. The Sacred Scripture is not just a record of the past but a living Word that addresses individuals today. It builds community and the Church, and thus must be read within the unity of the living church community. Human opinions change, but the Word of God endures. Those who embrace it carry within them something eternal, life that does not pass away. Jem Sullivan, an exceptional professor at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, highlights the enduring significance of Saint Jerome’s legacy. The painting, Saint Jerome in His Study, is an oil on canvas panel measuring approximately 13 x 20 cm, housed at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit. The artwork is attributed to Jan van Eyck, who lived around 1390–1441. The piece was originally published in the magazine Magnificat issue number 09/2026. Readers are encouraged to follow inspiring thoughts from Magnificat on their Facebook profile @verujem. A technical error occurred during the loading of the following article. Magnificat, International Prayer and Liturgy Magazine Editor: Br. Dr. Miran Špelič OFM LOCATION Family d.o.o. Krekov trg 1 1001 Ljubljana