Artwork
Landscape with Animals and Two Seated Shepherds
Landscape with Animals and Two Seated Shepherds 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
Landscape with Animals and Two Seated Shepherds is a 1646 etching by Italian artist Stefano della Bella, characterized by a serene countryside setting with rolling hills, trees, a stream, grazing sheep, and two relaxed shepherds.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a peaceful pastoral scene, emphasizing tranquility through the seated shepherds and grazing flock, reflecting della Bella’s ability to convey serene genre and landscape themes through printmaking.
Technique & Style
Della Bella employed fine etching lines to achieve textured effects, such as the flock’s fuzziness and the hills’ roughness, while simplified cloud suggestions in the sky maintain the scene’s calm atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1646, this work is part of della Bella’s extensive print oeuvre of over 1,000 pieces, contrasting with his limited output of only one known painting.
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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