Joseph Stella (1877-1946)

Portrait of a Woman.

1915 - 1920

The arresting portrait of a stooped elderly woman in sharply contrasted fields of focus, signed in graphite pencil lower left.

Joseph Stella's application of the silverpoint medium in the early 20th century marks the revival of a technique used by medieval scribes and Old Masters. This difficult and archaic medium employs a metal stylus, traditionally sterling silver, that is softly transferred when stroked against properly prepared paper similar to the transfer of graphite from a pencil.

Sheet measures 7 x 5 in a 14.25 x 11.5 inch frame.

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Carl Weeks (1876 - 1962) and descended through his family.

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Very good condition, the complete sheet, not laid down, no damage, punctures, tears or repair; moderate toning at the extreme edges from matting.