Follower of Gerrit van Honthorst

Venuti collection, Malta, by 1895;
When purchased by Giuseppe Rossetto di Alessandro, Rome, 1927, by whom brought to the United States in the late 1920s;
Thence by descent.

Boston, General Art Company, Permanent Exhibition of Paintings by Old Masters, 1929, no. 21.
Worcester, Massachusetts, College of the Holy Cross, on loan 1929-2010.

Oil on canvas, lined. Surface dirt and dust. A stable web of craquelure over the entire picture. A repaired vertical tear in the background extending from the bottom of Saint Jerome's red hat at upper left to the edge of his cloak at lower left. Another repaired vertical tear extending from the eye socket of the skull at right down into the shadow behind Saint Jerome's book. Frame abrasions. Under UV light, there is inpainting in St. Jerome's hair and ear. An additional line of inpaint in the background between the skull and St. Jerome. Scattered inpaints in St. Jerome's cloak and a few minor small spots scattered across the canvas.
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.