Saint Jerome seated by a tree looking up at a crucifix, a lion drinking water from a stream to his right 1728

This 1728 etching by Nicolas Chasteau depicts Saint Jerome seated by a tree, looking up at a crucifix. The etching is a reproduction of a painting by the artist Balthazar de Siena. The image also features a lion, a symbol often associated with Saint Jerome, who is said to have removed a thorn from the paw of a lion. Saint Jerome was a renowned theologian, and in this artwork, he is shown meditating on the Holy Scriptures, a testament to his devout faith. The etching's meticulous detail is evident in the depiction of the surrounding landscape and the lion drinking from a stream. This piece is a classic example of the Rococo era’s appreciation for elegance and refinement.