Who painted Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval?

Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1652.

Where can I see Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval?

Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval?

Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval

Stefano Della Bella , 1652

Twenty-Four Cavaliers in an Oval is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1652 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1652 by the Florentine printmaker Stefano della Bella, *Twenty‑Four Cavaliers in an Oval* is an etching executed on laid paper. The composition gathers a group of twenty‑four mounted figures within a loosely defined oval shape, presenting a dense yet orderly scene that showcases della Bella’s facility with crowded, narrative prints.

Subject & Meaning

Each rider is depicted on a rearing horse, equipped with a spear or bow and topped by an elaborate feathered headdress. The arrangement suggests a ceremonial procession or a stylized military formation, emphasizing the collective presence of cavalry rather than focusing on individual identities. The work thus reflects contemporary interests in martial display and courtly pageantry.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by etching, a method in which the artist incised lines into a metal plate, allowing ink to settle in the grooves before being transferred to paper. Della Bella’s handling yields crisp, decisive lines that render the horses’ motion and the intricate details of armor and headgear, while the pale laid paper provides a subtle tonal contrast.

History & Provenance

Part of a prolific output that exceeded a thousand prints, this particular etching exemplifies della Bella’s engagement with subjects drawn from military and aristocratic life. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the print has circulated among collections of 17th‑century Italian graphics and is frequently cited in catalogues of the artist’s oeuvre as a representative example of his crowded, narrative compositions.

Artist & collection

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.