Portrait

Stefano della Bella

Basic information

ID: Г-IV-847
Author: Stefano della Bella
Name: Portrait
Date of creation: 1649–1650
Country: Italy
Technique: etching
Material: paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm): 10 x 7.3

Additionally

Type: graphic art
Genre: portraiture
Plot: Portrait
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 "Plusieurs têtes Coiffées à la Persienne" ("Several Combed Heads of the Persians") series was printed in two editions in Henriet Israel's publishing house in 1650. The first edition was produced on rectangular plates, while the second was on oval plates in the 1649–1650s. The series was dedicated to Ferdinando II de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The frontispiece of the series bears the Medici family's coat of arms. The series comprises 12 etchings depicting imaginary portraits of Arabs dressed in exotic clothing. The Lviv works are from the second edition. A young sultana, portrayed in the etching, is shown in the oval. Her head is turned to the left, and her gaze is directed towards the viewer. She is wearing an opulent, bejewelled turban and a fur cape. On this engraving, Stefano della Bella realistically represented the textures of fabrics, fur, and hair of the portrayed woman.

Inscriptions

On the left, there is the inscription: "SDBella"

Legal regulation

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

Portrait

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