Bidspirit auction | AN IGNAZ STERN, CALLED IGNAZIO

AN IGNAZ STERN, CALLED IGNAZIO STELLA (1680–1748), PORTRAIT OF A BEARDED MAN WITH A BOOK - A powerful half-length portrait of an elderly man with flowing grey hair and beard, holding a large volume inscribed ”I.S./F./1739,” the artist’s initials and date. Set against a dark neutral ground, the sitter emerges through a delicate play of light that softly illuminates the flesh tones, silvered beard, and reflective eyes. The work displays the refined brushwork, psychological intensity, and Roman Baroque naturalism characteristic of Ignaz Stern, a German-born painter active in Rome, where he trained under Carlo Cignani and absorbed the influence of Carlo Maratti and Giuseppe Chiari. The artist’s use of warm tonal transitions and meticulous modeling of the beard recalls the northern chiaroscuro tradition, while the gentle humanity of the expression reveals his assimilation into the Italian Baroque idiom. This portrait is almost certainly an autoritratto (self-portrait) — it belongs to the mature phase of Stern’s Roman career, when he achieved great esteem for his altarpieces and portraiture commissioned by ecclesiastical patrons. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please note that this lot is located in Europe and will be shipped to the winner from our European warehouse. Dimensions: 21 1/2 × 17 in., (55 × 43 cm.) Condition: Paint surface stable with light craquelure. Minor wear to gilded frame edges. The painting retains strong color and luminosity with well-preserved impasto highlights in the hair and beard.