Claudio Coello, (Madrid circa 1632-1693)

The Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception
inscribed 'Bosquejo del famoso pintor Coello' (on the reverse)
oil on panel
52.3 x 38.3cm (20 9/16 x 15 1/16in).

Provenance
Private Collection, Cadiz
Sale, Christie's, London, 2 November 1972, lot 106 (as Circle of Valdes Leal)
The Collection of Eric Young, 1986, and thence by descent to the present owners

Literature
E. Young, 'Claudio Coello and the Immaculate Conception in the School of Madrid', Burlington Magazine, 1974, no. 116, p. 513, ill. pl. 17
E. J. Sullivan, Baroque Painting in Madrid. The Contribution of Claudio Coello, with a catalogue raisonné of his works, Columbia, 1986, p. 159, cat. no. P75, ill. p. 159

In his article on Claudio Coello and the Immaculate Conception, Young suggests that the present work is a study or model for Coello's Immaculate Conception now in the church of San Jerónimo el Real in Madrid. It has also been suggested that it once served as the door of a tabernacle as there is evidence of a keyhole and hinges that have later been filled in with pieces of wood.