Art Institute of Chicago

Saint Jerome in the Desert

Cherubino Alberti (Italian, 1553-1615)

Date

c. 1575

Medium

Engraving on ivory laid paper

Culture

Italy

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Cherubino Alberti’s mastery of illusionistic foreshortening effects is particularly evident in Saint Jerome’s cross, and the hand holding it is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s renowned Creation of Adam fresco. Indeed, in light of his artistic accomplishments, Pope Clement VIII pardoned Alberti of a conviction for murder. The books at Jerome’s feet allude to his translation of the Bible into Latin, which earned Jerome the title of the patron saint of libraries. Jerome was also known for a having a bad temper, and he often used his pen to target those he saw as enemies of the truth.

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