The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Sts Crispus, Crispinianus and Jerome

Reni's picture was originally painted for the Church of San. Prospero in Reggio Emilia, for the altar of the Arte de' Calzolari (Shoemakers' guild). It was removed by the Duke of Modena in 1680 and sold with his collection to the Elector of Saxony. It entered the Royal Collection, Dresden, in 1746.

Charles-François Hutin created drawings from the Royal Collection, that were then engraved by a number of artists for publication. Although Louis Surugue is generally attributed as one of the main engravers for the publication, this print of The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Sts Crispus, Crispinianus and Jerome is signed with the initial P, so we must presume that his son Pierre-Louis assisted him with the project.

While St Crispus and St Crispianus have now been removed from the Catholic Calendar of Saints, as no evidence has been found to prove their existence, St Jerome is a common figure in Baroque art. He was one of the four Latin doctors of the Church along with Augustine of Hippo, Ambrose, and Pope Gregory I. He is traditionally portrayed dressed as a cardinal, or as in this work, as a half-clad anchorite, usually accompanied by a cross, skull and Bible. Writing materials and the trumpet of final judgment are also part of his iconography. He is the patron saint of librarians.

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