Saint Jerome, 2nd plate 

Alphonse Legros created this plate of Saint Jerome using etching techniques. At first glance, the density of the etched lines creates a scene shrouded in shadow, punctuated by stark, bright highlights that direct our gaze to the figure of Saint Jerome and his book. Legros masterfully uses line to define form and texture, with dense, cross-hatched lines building up the darker areas and more delicate lines suggesting light and shadow. Compositionally, Legros employs a relatively high horizon line, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy as Jerome is framed by the surrounding landscape. The texture of the piece, achieved through the etching process, adds to the overall atmospheric quality. The visual weight is not on Saint Jerome but instead on the book, suggesting the overwhelming power of textual interpretation. This work destabilizes established meanings, inviting us to consider the relationship between the sacred, scholarly interpretation, and the material world. The emphasis on line and form over narrative highlights the print's function not just aesthetically but as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.