ANTWERP SCHOOL, EARLY 16TH CENTURY | Saint Jerome

The panel is cradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals sensitively-executed retouching along a vertical join or split, running the height of the panel, just left of centre; to fine vertical lines throughout the sky, upper right, particularly along the upper margin; to an area measuring approx. 10 by 2 cm. along the right margin, just above centre; and to small spots throughout Saint Jerome's cloak and chest, and in his red mantle, cardinal's hat and in the tree trunk on which these rest. There are further pinprick retouchings in the saint's face. Despite the number of retouchings, the painting reads well and the colours appear bright and well-preserved. Offered in a carved and painted wood frame in good condition.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This well preserved landscape with Saint Jerome was painted in Antwerp, probably in the period around 1520, a time of extraordinary artistic production in the city. Identities of the myriad of artists active at this time are, alas, scant due to a lack of both signed works and documentation; scholars have been able to identify only a tiny handful of the 'Antwerp Mannerists'. The painter responsible for this high quality work is clearly from amongst this group of painters, of whom the twisting trunk and elongated features are typical. The painter has much in common with Jan de Beer, one of the leading artists active in Antwerp at this time.