Artwork
Death Carrying a Child to the Left
Death Carrying a Child to the Left is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Stefano della Bella's 'Death Carrying a Child to the Left' is a print created around 1648 using a combination of etching and engraving techniques. It is one of over a thousand prints produced during the artist's career.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a skeletal figure carrying a child, walking through a flooded town with onlookers and a dog in the vicinity. The scene conveys a sense of urgency and serves as a warning about death's power, particularly over children.
Technique & Style
The work showcases della Bella's skill in printmaking, characterized by sharp lines and detailed technique. The use of etching and engraving allows for a high level of precision in the rendering of the scene.
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.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
![The Challenge [right], by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/gabriel-de-saint-aubin--the-challenge-right--75162e00e6876b27-w320.webp)
