Polish hussar in profile facing right with wings attached to his back, a circular composition, from 'Figures on Horseback' (Cavaliers nègres, polonais et hongrois)

Art Historical Context

In this dynamic etching from Stefano della Bella series *Figures on Horseback*Cavaliers nègres,onais et hongrois),. 1648–53, a Polish hussar is captured in striking profile facing right. The rider's elaborate wings—iconic wooden frames adorned with feathers—jut dramatically from his back, evoking the fearsome cavalry of the Polishithuanian Commonwealth. The circular composition, measuring just 7 3/8 x 7 7/ inches, draws the eye inward, heightening the sense of motion and grandeur on horseback. Stefano della Bella, a masterful 17th-century Italian etcher active in Florence and Paris, excelled in depicting equestrian figures with intricate line work and Baroque flair. Etching allowed him to achieve fine details, from the hussar's flowing sash to the horse's muscular form, making these prints highly collectible. This work celebrates exotic warriors, including Polish, Hungarian, and even "black" cavaliers, reflecting Europe's fascination with Eastern cavalry during an era of prolonged wars like the Thirty Years' War. Polish hussars were legendary shock troops, their wings creating a terrifying whoosh in battle, symbolizing Polish military prowess in the 17th century. Della Bella's portrayal immortalizes their cultural allure, blending historical spectacle with artistic virtuosity for admirers of prints at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella · 1610–1664

Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) was one of the most prolific and versatile printmakers of the Italian Baroque period, leaving behind 1,052 prints and several thousand drawings that captured the vivid essence of 17th-century European life. Born in Florence on May 18, 1610, to a family of artists, he trained initially as a goldsmith before studying painting under Cesare Dandini and etching under Rem...