Artwork

Arms with a Dedication to Grand Duke Ferdinand II

Arms with a Dedication to Grand Duke Ferdinand II, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1637
Arms with a Dedication to Grand Duke Ferdinand II, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1637

Arms with a Dedication to Grand Duke Ferdinand II is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1637, *Arms with a Dedication to Grand Duke Ferdinand II* is an etching on laid paper by the Florentine draughtsman Stefano della Bella. The print forms part of his extensive output of more than a thousand engraved works, a medium in which he excelled despite having produced only a single known painting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a formidable winged figure clutching a crown and a spear, its outstretched wings and sharply rendered features conveying authority and martial vigor. The accompanying inscription names Grand Duke Ferdinand II and frames the image as a dedication, suggesting the work functions as a visual tribute to the ruler’s power.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the image relies on incised lines and dense cross‑hatching to achieve dramatic contrast and a sense of movement. The use of laid paper adds a subtle texture that enhances the depth of the shading, while the bold, angular forms reflect the dynamic, baroque aesthetic prevalent in mid‑17th‑century Italian printmaking.

History & Provenance

The print is identified as a restrike, indicating it was produced after the original plate’s first impression, a common practice for popular designs in della Bella’s workshop. Its dedication to the Grand Duke links the work to the Medici court, though specific records of its early ownership remain scarce.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Stefano Della Bella

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.