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A Series of Landscapes. Sheet No.1. Landscape

Stefano della Bella

  • A Series of Landscapes. Sheet No.1. Landscape 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-1001
Author
Stefano della Bella
Name
A Series of Landscapes. Sheet No.1. Landscape
Date of creation
c.1643
Country
Italy
Technique
etching
Material
paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
11.2 x 20.8
Additionally
Type
graphic art
Genre
landscape
Plot
Landscape
Provenance
Lviv Historical Museum
Information about author
Author
Stefano della Bella
Artist's lifetime
1610–1644
Country
Italy
Biography
Stefano della Bella was one of the most prolific Italian engravers and draftsmen of the 17th century. The artist created thousands of unique graphic works that accurately depicted the events of his time, such as theatrical performances of the Florentine nobility, Thirty Years' War conflicts, and ordinary life on the streets of Rome and Paris. The engraver was born in Florence in 1610. Due to the premature death of his father, the young man was compelled to study as a jeweller. Still, he quickly grew interested in drawing, imitating the technique of the prominent French graphic artist Jacques Callot. At this time, he gained the patronage of the Medici family, who continued to favour the artist throughout his life. Supported by the Medici, della Bella went to Rome in 1633, where he received important commissions almost immediately. Numerous sketches of park ensembles, villas, palaces and ancient ruins were also created there, which he later used for his engravings. At the request of the Medici family, he was obliged to return to Florence in 1637. In Rome, della Bella met the French graphic artists Henriet Israel and Francois L'Anglois, thanks to whom he moved to Paris in 1639. The engraver could quickly establish cooperation with the three most important Parisian publishers: Pierre Mariette, Henriet Israel, and Francois L'Anglois. In Paris, the artist became well-known by creating various etchings, which collectors much sought after. He returned to Florence in 1650, where he resided until he died in 1664. During this period, Stefano della Bella diversified his favourite subjects, producing an excellent series of hunting scenes, impressive landscapes with Roman ruins, and detailed depictions of equestrians.
Object description
A series of four rural landscapes called "Première suete de quatre paysages" ("The First Series of Four Landscapes") was published for the first time in 1641. Around 1643, the Lviv sheets were printed at Pierre Mariette's publishing house. Their performer is considered to be Francois Collignon, the French graphic designer and close friend of della Bella. Collaboration between engravers was a common practice, so Collignon repeatedly made engravings based on Stefano della Bella's drawings or replicated his previously published series. The sheet depicts a skilfully executed landscape with a mill. In the foreground, a shepherd sits at the foot of a tall tree. To his right stands a man, pointing to the woman at the peasants behind them. The mill, which rises above a panoramic view of the countryside, forms the background of the work. Next to it are peasants engaged in their daily activities: one is climbing a ladder to repair the windmill, while the others are resting.
Inscriptions
At the bottom left, there is an inscription: "Stef della Bella Inu Colignon fecit". At the bottom right is the inscription "Mariette excudit Cum Priuilegio 3".
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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