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Faun

Stefano della Bella

Basic information

ID: Г-IV-983
Author: Stefano della Bella
Name: Faun
Technique: etching
Material: paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm): 14.3 x 13.5

Additionally

Type: graphic art
Genre: mythological painting
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

The etching belongs to a series of mythological subjects. The faun, walking down to the river, is depicted against a natural background of trees. He was one of the oldest Roman deities, the patron saint of forests, flocks, and shepherds. According to Virgil, Faunus was a legendary king of the Latins. The engraving was made in 1656, on the artist's return from Paris, and belongs to della Bella's late Florentine period. During this period, he worked on diversifying the themes of his works – he executed a series of hunting scenes and landscapes with Roman ruins.

Inscriptions

On the left: "Stef Della Bella fecit 1656". On the right: "DB".

Legal regulation

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

Faun

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