The Death of Saint Jerome 1764

Curator: Here we have "The Death of Saint Jerome" by Étienne de Lavallée-Poussin. Editor: It's a strikingly somber scene. The cave setting seems almost oppressive, yet there's a dynamic energy in the swirling lines. Curator: Poussin, active during the 18th century, often engaged with historical and religious themes. The print medium itself allowed for wider dissemination of such imagery. Editor: The etching technique really emphasizes the materiality. The rough, textured rock face contrasts with the smoother, almost ethereal rendering of the angels. It speaks to earthly suffering versus divine intervention. How were such prints received? Curator: Prints like these democratized art. They brought religious narratives into homes, shaping popular piety and moral values in a rapidly changing society. Editor: It’s fascinating how the production and distribution of this small print could influence wider social and religious ideologies. It makes you wonder about the labor involved. Curator: A potent reminder that art is never created in a vacuum, but rather reflects—and shapes—the world around it. Editor: Indeed. A small object, but brimming with questions about faith, labor, and the artistic process itself.