Artwork

The Banquet of the Piacevoli

The Banquet of the Piacevoli, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1627
The Banquet of the Piacevoli, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1627

The Banquet of the Piacevoli is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Banquet of the Piacevoli is an etching on laid paper created by Florentine artist Stefano della Bella in 1627. This restrike print exemplifies della Bella's versatility in depicting diverse subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a vibrant banquet scene, conveying an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Figures gather in a lavishly decorated room, engaging in conversation, eating, and drinking, highlighting the artist's ability to capture lively genre scenes.

Technique & Style

Della Bella's use of etching on laid paper achieves a sense of depth and texture in the image, characteristic of his printmaking skill. The work showcases his adeptness in rendering varied scenes with precision and detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1627, this etching is part of della Bella's extensive oeuvre of over 1,000 etchings, complemented by thousands of drawings, with only one known painting attributed to him.

Context

As a Florentine draughtsman and printmaker, della Bella's work reflects his exposure to and depiction of various themes, including military, court, and lively social settings like the banquet.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Stefano Della Bella

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.