Cartouche with Ducks and Dogs

Executed as an etching, the image was incised onto a metal plate, allowing fine lines and delicate textures to render the feathers, fur, and foliage. Della Bella’s characteristic fluid line work and attention to movement are evident in the dynamic poses of the animals.

Stefano della Bella (1610–1664) was a prolific printmaker, producing over a thousand prints and countless drawings. This piece forms part of his extensive output of decorative and animal subjects, reflecting the mid‑17th‑century Italian taste for ornamental prints.

During the Baroque period, decorative cartouches were commonly used in book illustrations, architectural panels, and ornamental prints. Della Bella’s inclusion of lively fauna within such a frame aligns with contemporary trends that blended naturalistic observation with decorative design.