Saint Jerome c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Fragonard's "Saint Jerome," an etching. The figures are so active, but it's such a small scale. What social forces do you think shaped the popularity of religious imagery like this? Curator: Consider the role of the Church, even in a secularizing 18th century. Images like this, reproduced as prints, served as devotional aids and reinforced religious narratives. Editor: So its availability made it popular? Curator: Exactly. And Fragonard's loose style democratized the visual language, making it more accessible. It's not just about devotion, but also about experiencing faith in a new, intimate way. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I see how context is key. Curator: Indeed. Understanding the public role of art helps us decode even seemingly personal works.