Saint Jerome Listening to the Sound of the Trumpet c. 17th century

Curator: Giovanni Battista Pasqualini made this engraving, *Saint Jerome Listening to the Sound of the Trumpet*, sometime in the early 17th century. The print shows the saint startled by an angel sounding a trumpet. Editor: The stark contrast between the pale figures and the dark background creates an intense, almost theatrical scene. The lines are so fine, you can almost feel the texture of the paper. Curator: Pasqualini was known for his printmaking, often reproducing works by other artists. The accessibility of prints allowed for wider circulation of artistic ideas and religious imagery. Editor: The way Jerome is positioned, almost collapsing, next to the symbols of mortality and intellect—the skull and book—really emphasizes the shock and vulnerability of the moment. Curator: Indeed. Prints like these played a vital role in shaping public piety and disseminating religious narratives during the Counter-Reformation. The process of engraving itself demanded skilled labor and contributed to a network of artisans and consumers. Editor: Ultimately, viewing this today makes me ponder the relationship between art, religion, and their impact on society's beliefs through easily reproduced materials.