Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment
1621
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1621
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching and engraving on laid paper depicts a dramatic scene of Saint Jerome, a bearded man, reacting to the trumpet of the Last Judgment. He is seated on the ground, wearing a loose robe, with his right arm outstretched and his left hand holding a book. A skull and other objects are scattered around him. In the background, an angel is shown blowing the trumpet, which is the focal point of the composition. The use of strong contrasts between light and dark creates a sense of tension and drama, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figure of Saint Jerome. The detailed rendering of the scene and the expressive use of light and shadow are characteristic of the Baroque style, which emphasized emotion and drama in art. For more information on this style, explore the Baroque movement.