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Claude Mellan

St. Jerome Praying

1665
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
44.5 × 29.8 cm (17.5 × 11.7 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Penitent and disheveled, Jerome kneels in front of a crucifix and the Bible that he had translated into Latin. In his hand, he clutches the stone that he often used to beat his breast. Behind him, a skull peers out at the viewer, a reminder of the transience of life on earth. Other attributes of Jerome abound: the robe and hat in the foreground signify his appointment to the office of cardinal under Pope Damascus I, the glasses and book represent his learned character, and the lion in the distant background recalls the legend that Jerome once pulled a thorn out of the beast's paw.

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