Circle of Andrea Ferrucci

Heim Gallery, London

Heim Paris 1974, no. 6; Washington, New York, Cambridge 1979-1982, no. 7 (illus.); New York 1981, no. 6; Chicago 1987-1988, no. 2

Sénéchal 2007, p. 238

Restorations throughout due to breaks. Overpainting . Loss to proper left arm and loss on his proper left hip. Chips and surface abrasions. The reverse is flat with an aperture. Stable.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Avery (Washington, New York, Cambridge 1979-1982, op. cit.) suggested that the present figure was made by a sculptor in the circle of Andrea Ferrucci (1465-1526). The large head with substantial cranium, the narrow shoulders, the specific style of drapery and physical type echo those details in some of Ferrucci's body of work; compare a related figure of Saint John the Evangelist in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Sénéchal, no. SR36).

Also compare an extremely similar glazed terracotta figure of Saint Jerome with his lion, sold Sotheby's, London, July 5, 1990, lot 31 as 'Florentine, late 15^th/early 16^th century'. Although Saint Jerome's hair and the base differ from the present terracotta, his pose mirrors the Sackler Saint and there is no doubt that the model for both figures came from the same workshop.