Jacques Stella

The slate is backed with canvas, but the paint has been applied directly to the stone surface. There appear to be three repaired cracks to the physical stone. One, which runs from roughly the lower right corner to the upper left corner; a second, which bisects this first crack and runs to the lower left edge; and a third very small crack in the upper right corner. There are a couple of small losses in the lower right corner which have been filled in well. There is very slight retouching along the stone cracks though they do not extend more than a millimeter past the crack itself on either side. The gilding which is attached to the red drapery at upper right fluoresces under UV and may be a later addition. A localized varnish also fluoresces slightly differently than its surrounding areas. Overall though, the picture presents a strong image and the small retouches have all been applied well. In a carved and painted wooden frame with a few small losses to the frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Stella, who moved to Rome in the early 1620s, specialized in highly finished paintings executed on a variety of supports including copper, amethyst, marble, lapis, and -- as in the present example -- slate. This composition must have interested Stella, as at least two other versions are known, both with adjustments to the Child's pose:  one in the Musée de Tessé, Le Mans (see J. Thuillier, Jacques Stella, Metz 2006, pp. 180-1), and another sold, London, Sotheby's, 19 December 1985, lot 94.