(Leuven 1553–1619 Cologne)
Saint Jerome in his study, translating the Bible in the presence of the lion,
monogrammed at lower centre (on the bookmark): G. Inv. (the ‘Inv.’ ligated),
oil on panel, 82 x 64 cm, framed

We are grateful to Claire van den Donk for confirming the authenticity of the present painting. The painting has been added to the RKD’s database.

The Catharijneconvent Museum in Utrecht preserves a series of the Four Evangelists signed by Gortzius Geldorp and dated to 1605. These paintings are not only extremely similar to the present Saint Jerome in terms of conception, but also feature identical dimensions. The present Saint Jerome probably formed part of a series of four panels depicting the Four Doctors of the Church that were meant to be juxtaposed with depictions of the Four Evangelists. The identical formats and similar compositions suggest that all of these panels share the same genesis, so that Saint Jerome, like the Utrecht panels, can be dated to the period around 1605.

The vigorous, brilliant colours are typical of Geldorp’s works. The palette is dominated by brown. In the artist’s history paintings and religious scenes, the figures are depicted in the manner of portraits, which also holds true for the present picture. In 1579, Geldorp moved to Cologne, where he lived until his death. Between 1609 and 1612 he held the position of councillor of the Cologne painters’ guild.

Additional picture
Crispijn de Passe, copper engraving after Geldorp: Mark the Evangelist