46: JOSEPH STELLA (1877-1946) SILVERPOINT & COLORED CRAYON

Joseph Stella (1877-1946)
Study of a floral spray. (1915 - 1920)
The unusual media on paper in the tradition of a botanical study, signed pencil lower right.

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. In the right hands it obviously can produce very delicate images.
Sheet measures 11 x 8.5 inches in a 17.5 x 14.75 inch frame.
Very good clean condition, the complete sheet, not laid down, no stain, puncture, tear, damage or repair, extremely light minor toning at the extreme outer edges.
Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Carl Weeks (1876 - 1962) and descended through his family.
$1,750 - $2,500