Engraving of an old man seated on the floor of a modest room, nude but for a cloth draped around his shoulder and hip, hand on his heart. He looks at an open book and a small crucifix and a skull symbolizing his mortality is set into the wall behind him.

St. Jerome Praying

1665

Claude Mellan French, 1598-1688

France

Penitent and disheveled, Jerome kneels in front of a crucifix and the Bible that he had translated into Latin. In his hand, he clutches the stone that he often used to beat his breast. Behind him, a skull peers out at the viewer, a reminder of the transience of life on earth. Other attributes of Jerome abound: the robe and hat in the foreground signify his appointment to the office of cardinal under Pope Damascus I, the glasses and book represent his learned character, and the lion in the distant background recalls the legend that Jerome once pulled a thorn out of the beast's paw.

Engraving in black on ivory laid paper

Prints and Drawings