Artwork
Cartouche with Eagles and Two Infants Holding a Crown
Cartouche with Eagles and Two Infants Holding a Crown is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The composition balances decorative flourish with a narrative focal point, typical of della Bella’s prolific output in the mid‑seventeenth century.
Created in 1647, this etching by the Florentine artist Stefano della Bella presents an elaborate cartouche framed by two soaring eagles. Within the ornamental border, two infant figures grasp a crown, their gestures and expressions rendered with a naturalistic touch. The composition balances decorative flourish with a narrative focal point, typical of della Bella’s prolific output in the mid‑seventeenth century.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif combines regal symbolism—the crown held by the infants—with the power associated with eagles, traditionally emblematic of authority and the divine. The juxtaposition of youthful innocence and majestic birds may allude to the transmission of power or the protection of sovereignty, a theme frequently explored in courtly and celebratory imagery of the period.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, the work showcases della Bella’s mastery of fine line work and tonal modulation. Delicate hatching creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the figures a sense of volume within the intricate, swirling ornamentation. The precision of the etched lines allows for intricate textures on feathers and fabric, underscoring the artist’s skill in rendering detail on a relatively small scale.
History & Provenance
Stefano della Bella (1610‑1664) was one of Italy’s most productive printmakers, producing over a thousand prints and countless drawings. This particular cartouche was likely intended for decorative or commemorative purposes, possibly as a component of a larger printed series. Surviving copies are found in several European print collections, reflecting the broad distribution of his works during the 17th‑century print market.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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