Open full image Pin

Death of St. Jerome

Giovanni Cesare Testa

1650

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

Death of St. Jerome is a 1650 by Giovanni Cesare Testa, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Giovanni Cesare Testa
When & what style?: 1650
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a crowded scene with a half-naked man lying on a bed, surrounded by people. One man in robes holds a book and points at him, while others watch or kneel. Above them, cherubs float in the sky, holding objects like a book and a cross. The room has tall columns, a window, and a candle on a stand. The man on the bed looks like he’s dying, with a serious expression. The artist used strong light and shadow to make the figures stand out. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works.

The story of this work

Overview

The engraving depicts the death of St. Jerome, based on a composition by Domenichino. Executed by Giovanni Cesare Testa in 1650, the work exists as a print on paper.

Read the full account in the museum source.