Hendryck van Somer (Lokeren, Belgium, 1607 - Naples, c. 1655) "Saint Jerome studying" Oil on canvas. Lined. Circa 1635. 105 x 83 cm. Painter documented in Naples between 1624 and 1652. As Professor Spinosa indicates in his study, this is a previously unknown painting in a very good state of preservation. It has stylistic qualities which can be appreciated in the highly accomplished treatment of the materials, skin tones and anatomy, which is managed using chiaroscuro and chromatic density, with which he also achieves the shapes and volume. All of this shows the influence of the naturalist Caravaguesque José de Ribera. The anatomy, expressivity and inclusion of still life elements, such as the roll of papyrus in the saint´s hands and the inkpot and quill on the table, are elements which, according to Professor Spinosa, have an affinity with some of Ribera´s most notable work in Naples from around 1620, such as “San Girolamo con l’angelo del Giudizio”, from 1626, which is kept at the Museo de Capodimonte. This Saint Jerome is dated circa 1635, belonging to the early period of Van Somer´s maturity. Van Somer, as well as other young painters, began his training as a painter in Ribera´s studio, as Ribera was by this time confirmed as one of the greatest exponents of the style among the Caravaggisti. It is interesting to point out that the “Saint Jerome” in the Galleria Borghese in Rome which was believed to be by Ribera as it was signed and dated in 1649, turned out to be a painting by Van Somer after some restoration work removed the signature and date, which were discovered to be false. We would like to thank Professor Nicola Spinosa for his invaluable help in calaloguing this painting. The painting is accompanied by the certificate by Professor Nicola Spinosa. Estimate: 22.500 / 30.000 euros - - - 22.00 % buyer's premium on the hammer price 21.00 % VAT on buyer's premium