Artwork
Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment
Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment is a 1621 print by Jusepe de Ribera, executed in etching, drypoint, engraving, and plate tone on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Saint Jerome in a moment of spiritual contemplation, surrounded by symbols of mortality (a skull) and intellectual devotion (a book and quill), as he gazes upwards towards a faint, ominous trumpet in the sky, evoking the Last Judgment.
Technique & Style
Ribera employed a combination of etching, drypoint, and engraving to achieve textured depth, while plate tone enhances the overall mood. The work showcases Baroque chiaroscuro, creating a dramatic sense of volume and spatial tension.
History & Provenance
Created during Ribera's active period in Naples, where he was a central artistic figure, the print reflects his prominent role in the city's 17th-century art scene.
Context
As part of Ribera's Naples output, the print situates itself within the broader Spanish Baroque movement, characterized by intense emotional and spiritual themes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this print are not highlighted, it contributes to Ribera's reputation as a versatile Baroque artist, influencing subsequent generations through his mastery of multiple mediums.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian: ; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
