Saint Jerome in Penitence

Ferdinand Bol studied with Rembrandt van Rijn in Amsterdam, where he set up his own shop around 1642. Two years later, he produced this atmospheric etching of Saint Jerome, which is particularly reminiscent of the master in its shadows and arched top. Although his early works were long mistaken for Rembrandt’s, Bol signed this print at the bottom right. He would eventually trade the dark palette and historical figure studies of the older artist for a lighter tonality and more elite clientele, which would make him one of the most financially successful Dutch painters of his era.