Think that you may own a painting by Jacques Stella? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all paintings by Jacques Stella.

Jacques Stella was a 17th century French Baroque painter. Stella received much of his initial training in Florence working alongside Jacques Callot for Cosimo de’ Medici II. In 1623, Stella moved to Rome and became influenced by and worked alongside Nicolas Poussin.

Stella returned to Paris in 1634, only to venture into the world again and travel to Venice, Milan and finally, Lyon. It was during this time that the Cardinal Richelieu introduced Stella to Louis XIII, and the artist was later appointed Painter to the King. As a result, Stella spent much of the rest of his life working for the royals and nobility at Versailles, Paris and Rouen.

Towards the end of his career, Stella was plagued with illness. Despite his illness, however, Stella was also a teacher to many, including a few of his nieces. His nieces would later go on to engrave many of his works after his death.

For many years, much of Stella’s work was mistaken for the work of his teacher and friend, Poussin. A more notable painter worldwide, experts and art authenticators were quick to attribute works of Stella to Poussin. Despite the fact that many of these mistakes have since been rectified, it is said that his oeuvre is nowhere near complete, and many of his works are likely to still be in existence and otherwise unauthenticated. It is thought that many of his works are untraced or damaged and only time will tell where they will surface.

Still wondering about a 17th century French painting in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by Jacques Stella.