Rest On The Flight Into Egypt By Jacques Stella

Oil on canvas, 17th century. Attributed to Jacques Stella, French school.
A splendid composition depicting the iconographic theme of the “Flight into Egypt” during a moment of rest and refreshment. The Virgin, richly dressed in ultramarine blue and red, holds the blessing Child, while Saint Joseph—in an ochre tunic and cap—sits pensively at her side. A small angel in the foreground on the left completes the sacred group at the bottom. In the luminous sky, illuminated by a warm golden hue characteristic of Stella’s style, three celestial cherubs bear witness to the divine providence accompanying the Holy Family.
The composition reveals the confident hand of a French master from Stella’s circle: the balanced distribution of the figures, the plasticity of the bodies, the rich color palette (with particular attention to brilliant blues and reds), and above all that soft, airy luminosity that characterizes French painting of the mature 17th century.
Condition: The canvas and paint are in generally good condition, with the normal patina due to age. The stretcher requires consolidation and cleaning—a factor that significantly affects the current price, but which, once restored, would lead to a significant revaluation of the work.
A rare opportunity for those wishing to acquire a work of superior quality at a reasonable price, with potential for appreciation once the structural restoration is complete.