Captured in incredible detail, Saint Hieronimus (also known as Saint Jerome), kneels passionately before a monumental cross in a mountainous landscape. His lion companion dashes off to the left while, in the lower center, we witness a skull and a book. Saint Hieronimus (Jerome) was often depicted with a skull, representing the inevitability of death and the vanity of worldly things, and a book, representing his studious nature. Callot depicts St. Hieronimus in the wilderness where he lived the life of a hermit. The Saint's dedication to his faith is apparent in his earnest gaze and striking pose, as he looks to the cross with absolute faithfulness. Callot creates a three dimensional space in which St. Hieronimus is placed at the center of the composition as the wilderness winds off into the background. The cross is also emphasized, sitting atop a cliff and framed by towering trees.

Created c. 1632, this piece is from the series The Penitent. This work is signed in the plate in the lower left 'Callot fe.' and 'Israel ex.' Also annotated in the plate 'Cum privi | legio Regis.' In the lower right.

DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:
1. Schroder, Thomas. Jacques Callot: Das gesamte Werk Druckgraphik Volume 2. Munich: Verlag Rogner & Bernhard GMBH. Listed as plate 1313.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Museum-grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.