Artwork
Death Carrying a Woman
Death Carrying a Woman 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 Woman' is a print created circa 1648 using a combination of etching and engraving techniques. It is one of over a thousand prints produced by the artist during his lifetime.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dramatic scene in which a skeletal figure representing Death carries a limp woman. Onlookers stand near a building in the background. The image conveys a sense of sudden and dramatic action, with the artist using the woman's flowing dress and a nearby horse to enhance this effect.
Technique & Style
Della Bella employed sharp lines to convey movement and weight, creating a sense of urgency. The use of etching and engraving allowed for precise detailing, such as the folds in the woman's clothing, which adds to the narrative quality of the image.
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)
