St Jerome

St Jerome was one of Carracci’s most copied prints in the 17th century, testifying to its great popularity. We know from Malvasia that the master only did the saint’s figure (without the right arm and right leg) and a part of the rock in the background. The engraving was completed only after Carracci’s death by Francesco Brizio. This information is supported by the different graphic technique in which some of the details were executed. A number of preparatory sketches have survived, highlighting the attention Agostino paid to preparing his compositions.