Jacques Stella in Italy
Although the artist's stay in Florence between 1619 and 1622 is only documented by graphic works, a number of paintings can be associated with his long stay in Rome, between 1623 and 1634. For the most part, these are painted on rare materials such as onyx, alabaster, coloured marble, lapis-lazuli or slate. These precious objects are never dated, but constitute a lively echo of Florentine art, where painting on stone had flourished since the 16th century.
The only dated painting from the period, Assomption de la Vierge (Assumption of the Virgin) from 1627, demonstrates the painter's ambition and integration in the milieu of Roman painters. Stella worked for one of the most important Roman families, the Florentine Barberini family, one of the family members, Maffeo, was elected to the papal throne as Pope Urban VIII in 1623.
Stella's presence in Rome coincided with a major period of creation, marked by the débuts of Pietro da Cortona, Bernino, Guercino and Poussin.
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