Artwork
Twenty-Four Cavaliers in Double S Formation
Twenty-Four Cavaliers in Double S Formation 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
Twenty-Four Cavaliers in Double S Formation is an etching on laid paper created by Stefano della Bella in 1652. It is one of over a thousand etchings produced during the artist's career.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts 24 cavalrymen on horseback, arranged in pairs and moving in a diagonal formation. The riders wear elaborate headdresses and carry spears or lances, with some waving flags, capturing a dynamic moment of military pageantry.
Technique & Style
Della Bella's skill in etching is evident in the sharp, precise lines that convey a sense of motion. The composition is densely packed yet avoids crowding, showcasing the artist's ability to balance complexity and clarity.
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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