Kupferstich Appraisal

The Last Communion of Saint Jerome (Kupferstich)

This item is an antique copperplate engraving (Kupferstich) on paper, depicting the solemn 'Last Communion of Saint Jerome.' The composition is densely populated with figures, rendered with intricate cross-hatching and fine linework characteristic of 17th-century European printmaking. It appears to be based on the famous Neoclassical/Baroque composition by Agostino Carracci or Domenichino. The central focus is the elderly, emaciated Saint Jerome kneeling to receive the Eucharist, surrounded by attendants and clerics in liturgical vestments, while cherubs descend from the heavens above. The print includes a significant lower margin with a formal Italian inscription and a central decorative crest, identifying the dedicatee as Girolamo Almerici. The paper shows signs of aging, including a distinct sepia-toned patina, minor foxing throughout, and some softening or slight creasing at the edges. No major tears or repairs are immediately visible on the face, but the margins appear slightly uneven, suggesting it may have been trimmed from a larger sheet. The mastery of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) achieved through the density of the engraving lines indicates a high level of craftsmanship from a skilled printmaker of the period. The work exemplifies the Late Mannerist to Early Baroque stylistic transitions, prioritizing emotional intensity and anatomical detail.