Follower of Joos van Cleve

The actual painting is softer and less harsh in tone than the catalogue suggests. The panel seems to consist of two planks joined vertically and is set in a constructed framework (not marouflé). Two vertical repaired cracks are visible in the left half of the picture. Both these cracks and the join have been retouched a little crudely. Discoloured retouchings can also be made out in the background. Otherwise, the paint surface seems in good condition with some of the outlines somewhat strengthened. Inspection under UV light is largely impeded by the varnish layer, but does reveal a few small scattered retouchings in the skull and right sleeve of Saint Jerome. Offered in a plain parcel gilt wood frame with some paint losses.
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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."

An early 17th Century copy after Joos van Cleve's depiction of Saint Jerome, of which a large number of variants and replicas are known from the artist's studio and circle.¹ The composition was not strictly of Van Cleve's own invention, but was based on Albrecht Dürer's Saint Jerome, painted in 1521, now in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon.

1. See M.J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, vol. IX (part I), Leiden 1972, pp. 31, 58, under no. 39, reproduced plate 57.