Neapolitan School, circa 1450

Anonymous sale, Rome, Christie's, 16 June 2004, lot 505 as 'Sienese School'.

The support consist of a single panel with two vertical strips of 3 by 3 cm affixed to the left and right hand edges. The paint surface has suffered substantial losses. When the painting was last on the market most of these losses were painted and gilded out but since then recent restoration has removed these later additions and painted most of the areas of loss a matt brown. There are additionally four losses in the skirt of the white robe that have been painted a white colour, the largest of which is 13 by 9 cm. Some of the gilding in the background has worn through to the bolus and there are some scattered damages, many to the right side of the picture, the largest of 3 by 3 cm. All the above are visible in the catalogue illustration. The remaining paint surface is in good condition. There are numerous signs of old worm damages but this is no longer active. Inspection under UV light reveals some touching out of the old craquelure, some more significant retouching to the fragmentary part of the paint surface from Jerome's hem down and repainting and strengthening to the wreath around his waist and the rock in his hand. Offered in a later arched carved gilt wood frame, with rosettes in the corners, in fair condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."