Communion of Saint Jerome 1821

Curator: Pierre Alexandre Tardieu created this intaglio print, titled "Communion of Saint Jerome." It's held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The monochrome palette gives it a somber feel, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic, almost theatrical atmosphere. The composition, particularly the arrangement of figures, directs the eye toward the central act of communion. Curator: The iconography is rich. Saint Jerome, a scholar and translator of the Bible, receives his last communion. The lion at his feet is a recurring symbol, linked to a legend about Jerome removing a thorn from its paw. The cherubs above… Editor: …they introduce a heavenly dimension, a promise of salvation through faith. Note the architectural frame— it feels both classical and imposing, underscoring the solemnity of the scene. Curator: It's a cultural memory, an evocation of faith and a saint's final act of devotion. Editor: Yes, but consider also the technical mastery required to achieve such tonal complexity through etching. It speaks volumes about Tardieu’s skill. Curator: It gives us a lens to view how the faithful connected to Saint Jerome and death rituals. Editor: Indeed, a confluence of artistry and enduring faith.