Saint Jerome kneeling before a crucifix, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints) 1495 - 1532

Marcantonio Raimondi's "Saint Jerome Kneeling Before a Crucifix" is a small, intricately detailed engraving from his "Piccoli Santi" series. This print, created between 1495 and 1532, depicts Saint Jerome, a prominent figure in the Church, kneeling in prayer before a crucifix. A tame lion, a symbol of Saint Jerome, lies at his feet. The scene is set in a cave-like space, with a crucifix and a shelf with books and an hourglass visible. Raimondi's use of fine lines and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the stark realism and intense devotion of the saint. This print, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a testament to Raimondi's mastery of engraving and his skill in capturing the spiritual intensity of a religious subject.