(Passau ca. 1679–1748 Rome)

The Birth of Christ, featuring the Adoration of the Shepherds. 1737.

Oil on canvas.

102.2 × 141.5 cm.

Provenance:
- Collection Hawkins, Sussex (verso with label).
- Auction Christie's, London, 08.07.1932, lot 127.
- Auction Sotheby's, London, 24.10.1956, lot 25.
- Private collection Gordon.
- Auction Christie's, London, 10.08.1976, lot 52.
- Art Dealers Robert Noortman Gallery, London, 1980.
- Auction Christie's, London, 13.04.1984, lot 127.

Literature:
Günter Kowa: Grazia e Delicatezza, Ein deutscher Maler in Italien: Ignaz Sterns Leben und Werk 1679-1748, Bonn 1986, pp. 185-186, Fig. No. 32, p. 244 (signed and dated 1737).

Ignaz Stern studied with Carlo Cignani (1628-1719) in Bologna before settling in Rome around 1700. He specialized in religious painting and was inspired by Carlo Maratta (1625-1713) and indirectly by Correggio (1489-1534). His son, Ludovico Stern (1709-1777), was also active as a painter.

Dr. Georg Lechner has confirmed the authenticity of the painting on the basis of a photograph, for which we would like to thank him.