Landscape with the Penitence of Saint Jerome

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

National Gallery of Art

This drawing shows a vast landscape with hills dotted with trees, grazing animals, and small buildings. In the distance on the right is a walled collection of buildings that may be a town or city. The vague outlines of people walk on a path in front of the wall. Closer to us, on the left, is a tall tree. At its base seems to be a kneeling man with a long beard. He is drawn with loose lines, and few details are visible. Next to him is an animal lying on the ground that looks like a lion, or perhaps a dog. The color palette is monochromatic, with dark brown ink on beige paper.