A Sketch Found in a Farm Shed Is confirmed as an Early Van Dyck

Now it is estimated to pull in up to $3 million.

Anthony van Dyck, A Study for Saint Jerome (1615–18). Photo courtesy of Sotheby's.

An oil sketch by Anthony van Dyck, executed early in the Flemish artist’s career and rediscovered in a farm shed some four centuries later, will star in Sotheby’s Master Week series, where it is estimated to pull in up to $3 million.

After several years of research and conservation, the small work was determined to be an original Van Dyck, and was exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

The work's authenticity was confirmed by leading Van Dyck scholars and experts, and it is considered a rare and significant discovery in the art world. The oil sketch is now being offered for sale by Sotheby’s, with an estimate of $2-3 million. The sale is expected to attract interest from museums, institutions, and private collectors, as well as Van Dyck enthusiasts and art lovers.

The A Sketch for Saint Jerome is a testament to Van Dyck's skill and talent, and serves as a valuable addition to the artist's oeuvre. It is a fascinating glimpse into the artist's creative process and a rare opportunity to own an original Van Dyck.

Sotheby’s Master Week series in New York runs from January 18–30. A public exhibition opens January 21.