Who painted Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff?

Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1637.

Where can I see Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff?

Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff?

Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff?

Museum-quality prints of Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff

Stefano Della Bella , 1637

Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left, On a High Cliff is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1637, this print by Stefano della Bella depicts a pair of eagles perched upon a rugged cliff. Executed as an etching on laid paper, the image presents the birds with their heads turned left and bodies angled toward one another, set against a minimal sky. The work exemplifies della Bella’s prolific output in graphic media, where he explored a broad range of natural subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on two soaring raptors, their plumage rendered with meticulous line work that emphasizes texture and form. By positioning the eagles on a sheer rock face, the artist highlights the creatures’ dominance over a harsh landscape, suggesting themes of power and vigilance inherent to these birds of prey.

Technique & Style

Della Bella employed the etching process, incising fine, intersecting lines into a metal plate to achieve delicate shading and intricate detail. The laid paper surface contributes a subtle grain that interacts with the printed marks, enhancing the contrast between the smooth feathered bodies and the jagged stone. This precise linear approach is characteristic of his graphic oeuvre.

History & Provenance

The print is a restrike, indicating that the original plate was used to produce additional impressions after the initial edition. Stefano della Bella, a Florentine draftsman, generated over a thousand etchings and numerous drawings during his career, though only a single painting is recorded. The work remains a testament to his extensive contribution to 17th‑century printmaking.

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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.