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Earth (From the Series "Four Elements")

Stefano della Bella

  • Earth (From the Series "Four Elements") 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-949
Author
Stefano della Bella
Name
Earth (From the Series "Four Elements")
Technique
etching
Material
paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
8.8 x 18.2
Additionally
Type
graphic art
Genre
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
The work is from the "Four Elements" series. The Lviv sheets were printed in Pierre Mariette's workshop around 1647. The engraving shows a panoramic view of a pastoral scene. On the left is a hill with shepherds resting at its foot. To the right, on the plain, is a grove towards which a horseman is approaching. At the bottom centre is the inscription "Terra" (Earth).
Inscriptions
Bottom centre: "Terra". Bottom left: "Stef della Bella Inu Colignon fecit"
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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