A seventeenth-century ink and wash drawing by Moses ter Borch, depicting Saint Jerome reading in the wilderness alongside his lion.

This drawing by Moses ter Borch depicts Saint Jerome, a central figure in Christian iconography, seated within a secluded, natural setting. The saint is shown in a contemplative state, his attention fixed upon an open book, while his traditional companion, the lion, occupies the foreground. The composition relies on the interplay of light and shadow, achieved through the application of grey wash over pen and ink lines. This technique creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, typical of the Dutch draughtsmanship of the seventeenth century.

Moses ter Borch, a member of a family of artists, produced this work at a young age. The drawing demonstrates his technical proficiency in handling ink and wash to define form and texture. The figure of Jerome is rendered with soft, rounded contours, contrasting with the more angular and alert posture of the lion. The surrounding foliage and the tree trunk provide a frame for the scene, grounding the figures in their environment. The work reflects the period's interest in religious subjects, often treated with a focus on human emotion and quiet solitude rather than grand narrative action.

The use of wash allows for subtle gradations of tone, which model the saint's robes and the musculature of the lion. The artist employs a restrained palette, relying on the monochromatic nature of the medium to convey the solemnity of the subject. This piece provides insight into the artistic training and stylistic preferences prevalent in the Netherlands during the mid-seventeenth century. It remains a clear example of the skill required to balance composition and tonal value within a small-scale drawing. The work is preserved in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, reflecting its historical value as a study of both religious themes and technical execution.