North Italian, circa 1600

Tajan Paris, 17 May 2000, lot 50;
European private collection

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few losses, including: Jerome's proper left thumb; the right arm of the crucifix; and the front spindle from the sand-timer. There is veining consistent with material, including a number of more prominent (possibly restored veins) which run across the top half of the relief spreading from behind Jerome outwards to the crucifixion and downwards to the left edge near the Saint's proper right hand. Veins are visible through the Saint's neck, at his proper left wrist and at his proper right knee. There are orange veins/ marks at the Saint's proper right leg and arm. There is minor non-active worming to the frame and a few losses: including a small section of the pediment at the back on the right side; one to the hair of the lower cherub; and to the decoration at the bottom (both the swags at the bottom and a section of veneer on the right hand side). There is splitting consistent with material, particularly towards the bottom, and at the molding framing the relief on the left side where a screw has been drilled in (this section is a little loose).
"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."

This dramatic North Italian relief appears to be largely based on Titian's painting of St Jerome in the Wilderness in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. GG-46). Note the saint's similar pose, reaching out to the book with his left hand, whilst holding a rock in his right. St Jerome was particularly popular in Venice and the Veneto in the 15th and 16th centuries, as Renaissance Humanists sought to emulate the hermitic scholar-saint.