Artwork
Fantastic Vases
Fantastic Vases is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1646, *Fantastic Vases* is an etching on laid paper by Stefano della Bella, a Florentine draftsman noted for his prolific output in printmaking.
Created circa 1646, *Fantastic Vases* is an etching on laid paper by Stefano della Bella, a Florentine draftsman noted for his prolific output in printmaking. The work presents a row of five elaborately ornamented vessels, each crowned with exuberant foliage and occasional whimsical details such as tiny faces or animal forms. It exemplifies della Bella’s capacity to blend decorative fantasy with technical precision.
Subject & Meaning
The composition showcases five fanciful vases, each rendered with intricate, swirling bouquets of flowers and leaves that verge on the imaginary. The exaggerated handles and hidden figures suggest a playful, almost dreamlike exploration of ornament rather than a literal study of objects, inviting viewers to appreciate the inventive possibilities of decorative design.
Technique & Style
Executed with the etching process, della Bella incised the image onto a copper plate, allowing for fine lines, deep shadows, and varied textures achieved solely through ink. The use of laid paper contributes a subtle ribbed surface that enhances the tonal contrasts. The style merges precise draftsmanship with a baroque sense of movement and ornamental excess.
History & Provenance
*Fantastic Vases* belongs to della Bella’s extensive corpus of over a thousand etchings and thousands of drawings produced during his career, though he is known to have painted only a single work. The print reflects his reputation for versatility, encompassing military, courtly, and genre subjects, and illustrates his engagement with decorative motifs popular in mid‑17th‑century Italy.
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)
