The artwork titled “St. Jerome in the act of writing, by Guercino,” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It belongs to the Neoclassical art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. This piece is part of a series known as the “Collection of drawings engraved after Guercino.”
The artwork depicts St. Jerome, a prominent Christian scholar and father of the Church, engaged in the act of writing. Rendered in meticulous detail, St. Jerome is captured mid-action, deep in concentration, with his gaze focused on his work. His upper body is notably muscular and aged, portraying both his vigor and wisdom. Draped in traditional robes, his bare torso and bald, bearded head add to the solemn and contemplative atmosphere of the scene. The background is kept minimal, emphasizing the central figure and the intensity of his scholarly endeavor. Through the intricate lines and shading, Piranesi encapsulates the pious moment with a sense of reverence, skillfully reflecting the Neoclassical ideal of drawing inspiration from classical themes and forms.
