Stella, the historical painter
The delicate painter of the Holy Family was also the author of a number of ambitious compositions illustrating subjects from Roman history and more complex allegories.
In most cases, the circumstances in which these paintings were created remains unknown, although they belonged to some of the most prestigious Parisian collections such as that of Philippe d'Orléans ,who owned Clélie passant le Tibre avec ses compagnes (Clelia).
Stella emulated Nicolas Poussin, the great erudite painter and inventor of an idealised antiquity, throughout his lifetime. However, the Lyon-born painter's role now tends to be viewed more favourably and he is no longer considered as simply imitating the great master. The Enlèvement des Sabines (Abduction of the Sabine Women) and two episodes from the life of Solomon (Salomon recevant la reine de Saba (Solomon Receiving The Queen of Sheba) and Salomon sacrifiant aux idoles) (Solomon Sacrificing to the Idols)) allow for a dialogue with the work of Poussin, who created compositions on the same subject.
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