Jusepe de Ribera
Spanish, 1591-1652
St. Jerome Reading, c. 1624
Etching and engraving

Expressive, energetic lines enhance the wild nature of Saint Jerome’s surroundings. Accompanied by his faithful lion companion, the 4^th century saint contemplates pages of scripture. Imagery of Jerome in the wilderness relates to a chapter of this Saint’s life, in which he gave up material comforts and ventured into the wilderness, likely the Syrian desert. He did this to seek penance, study scripture and model the austerity of Christ’s example.

Jusepe de Ribera is one of the most influential masters working in Italy during the 17^th century. He depicted subject matter uncommon amongst his Spanish contemporaries, a wide range of stories and society from everyday individuals and the impoverished, to figures from Antiquity and scenes of martyrdom, all infused with intense emotion.