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Cherubino Alberti

Saint Jerome in the Desert

c. 1575
Engraving on ivory laid paper
47.9 × 34.7 cm (18.9 × 13.7 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

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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