Final paintings, between wisdom and gravity
Aging and tired, Stella continued to work, even undertaking large-scale works. Returning tirelessly to the same motifs and themes (Jésus retrouvé par ses parents au temple) (Jesus found by his parents in the temple), he succeeded in renewing his portrayal. In this painting from the Saint-Ayoul in church Provins, the artist has represented himself to the right of the column, ill and emaciated.
The subject matter of his final paintings is meditative and solemn. The atmosphere is serious and the attitudes noble, in the style of his friend Poussin. More than ever before, Raphael and Poussin appear as absolute references in these final works.
The exhibition ends on a more intimate note with the Portrait de Jacques Stella et sa mère (Portrait of Jacques Stella and his mother) and the superbe portrait de l'artiste (superb portrait of the artist), whose origins continue to arouse debate. These paintings evoke Jacques Stella's enduring loyalty to his family, a dynasty of artists that he promoted and encouraged with tireless energy.
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