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A Series of Six Sheets Depicting Decorative Vases with a Bouquet of Flowers. Sheet No.4. A Line of Vases

Stefano della Bella

  • A Series of Six Sheets Depicting Decorative Vases with a Bouquet of Flowers. Sheet No.4. A Line of Vases 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-998
Author
Stefano della Bella
Name
A Series of Six Sheets Depicting Decorative Vases with a Bouquet of Flowers. Sheet No.4. A Line of Vases
Date of creation
2d half of the 18th c.
Country
Italy
Technique
etching
Material
paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
8.5 x 19.5
Additionally
Type
graphic art
Genre
decorative
Plot
Vase
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
Stefano della Bella executed several graphic series with decorative sketches intended for craftsmen. "Raccolta di vasi diversi" ("The Collection of Various Vases"), on which the artist worked from 1639 to 1646, was one of the most popular ones. The series consisted of six sheets with sketches of decorative vases. Della Bella skilfully combined real plant elements with fanciful figures in them. The collection was published in Paris in the printing house of Francois L'Anglois, the publisher and graphic artist with whom della Bella collaborated closely. The series was a great success. It was reprinted several times and significantly impacted decorative and applied art until the end of the 18th century. The work is the fourth sheet of the series. It depicts eight variously shaped decorative vases with flowers. They are adorned with figures, as well as plant and animalistic elements. The central vase, which resembles a stylised hydria in shape, is embellished with satyr figures and nymphs.
Inscriptions
At the bottom left, there is the inscription: "Stef. de la Bella Inuent fecit". The number "4" is at the bottom centre. At the bottom right is the inscription "F. L'Anglois alias Ciartres exc. cum Priuil. Regius Christ".
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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