Heilige Hieronymus

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

This engraving of Saint Jerome, created around 1595 by Agostino Carracci, portrays the early Christian scholar and translator of the Bible in a moment of quiet contemplation. As a leading figure of the Bolognese school, Carracci brought a naturalistic approach to religious subjects, moving away from the stylized forms of Mannerism toward greater emotional directness and lifelike detail. The choice of engraving as the medium was especially significant in the late sixteenth century. Prints like this one allowed devotional images to circulate widely across Europe, reaching audiences far beyond t...

About the Artist

Agostino Carracci · 1557–1602

Agostino left his profession as a tailor to become an artist. His earliest works were engravings, which was an extremely profitable practice and he was famed for having attained new heights of perfection. He was also a skilled painter and collaborated with his famous relations on various commisions. Comment on works: Religious; Portraits.