View of the Tiber river, a large tree to left, two groups of women to left in the foreground, a bridge leading to the Castello Sant'Angelo to left, above which a large flag is hoisted, clouds of gunsmoke to right and left of the castle

Art Historical Context

Stefano della Bella, a 17th-century Florentine etcher renowned for his intricate landscapes and dynamic battle scenes, captures a vivid moment along Rome's Tiber River in this etching from around 1656. The draws the eye to the majestic Castello Sant'Angelo, by a bridge adorned with a boldly hoisted flag, while clouds of gunsmoke billow to either side, hinting at the turmoil of a military skirmish. In the foreground, a massive tree frames two groups of women, adding a human scale and touch of everyday life amid the drama. As an etching on a modest sheet (8¼ x 13 inches), the work showcases del...

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...