The Death of St. Jerome

Art Historical Context

In the Prints and Drawings department of the Institute of Chicago, Étienne de Lavallée-Poussin's *The Death of St.* (1764) offers a intimate glimpse into 18th-century devotional art. This etching depicts the dramatic final moments of St. Jerome the revered 4th saint and scholar known for translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). Created during the Enlightenment, when religious themes persisted amid growing secular interests, the work reflects printmaking's role in making sacred narratives accessible beyond grand paintings. Measuring a modest plate size of 13.6 × 9.6 cm (5 3/8 × 3 13/16 in.), the etching is executed on off-white laid paper and tipped to an album sheet, a common practice for preserving delicate prints in collectors' volumes. Etching technique—drawing acid-resistant lines on a metal plate, immersing it in acid to etch grooves, and inking for transfer—allowed Lavallée-Poussin to achieve fine, expressive lines suited to the compact format. This medium democratized art, enabling affordable reproductions for study or piety. As a testament to the era's technical refinement, *The Death of St. Jerome* highlights printmaking's artistic significance, bridging Baroque drama and emerging Neoclassicism in French tradition. Visitors will appreciate its quiet intensity up close.