Saint Jerome kneeling on a rock in front of a cross and an open book facing left, after Reni 1595 - 1645

This etching of Saint Jerome kneeling on a rock in front of a cross was made by an anonymous artist after Guido Reni. It encapsulates a key theme in the social and cultural history of the church in the 17th century. The figure of Saint Jerome became a powerful symbol of religious authority, particularly in a time when the institution of the church was under scrutiny. The choice to depict Jerome in a humble posture underscores the significance of the values of humility and devotion. This representation of the Saint is loaded with visual cues, from the open book to the cross, designed to inspire contemplation and devotion, as it was common in Counter-Reformation Italy. Art historians can look at other artworks, letters, and documents from the time to understand this image's place in the religious and social landscape.