This is a study for the kneeling figure in Sainte Jeanne de Valois portée au Ciel par des Anges painted for the altar of the third chapel of the north aisle of the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome, F. Titi, Studio di pittura, scoltura et architettura nella chiese di Roma, Rome, 1987, no. 612, illustrated.
Born into a family of artists, Etienne Parrocel studied with his uncle Pierre Parrocel and left with him for Rome in 1717. There he received numerous commissions and joined the Accademia di San Luca in 1734. He Italianized his name to Stefano Parrocel and remained in Rome until his death in 1775.
A group of Stefano's drawings was sold at Christie's, Monaco, 30 June 1995, lots 67-82, illustrated.