Artwork
Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left
Two Eagles, Both with Heads Turned to the Left 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. Created in 1637, this etching on laid paper depicts a pair of eagles perched upon a craggy rock formation.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1637, this etching on laid paper depicts a pair of eagles perched upon a craggy rock formation. Both birds face left, the front eagle turning its head sharply while the second, positioned slightly behind, appears more hunched. The composition is rendered in fine, cross‑hatched lines that model feathers, claws and the rugged stone.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents the eagles as emblematic of power and vigilance, a common symbolic association in 17th‑century iconography. By placing the birds in a natural, rocky setting, the artist emphasizes their dominion over a harsh environment, reinforcing the theme of strength amid adversity.
Technique & Style
Executed with the etching process, the image relies on acid‑etched copper lines transferred to laid paper. Delicate cross‑hatching creates texture in the plumage and rock surface, while crisp, linear strokes define the talons. The precise, dramatic rendering aligns with Baroque sensibilities that favored meticulous detail and dynamic composition.
History & Provenance
The print is a restrike, meaning it was produced after the artist’s lifetime from a surviving plate. Stefano della Bella, a prolific Florentine draughtsman and printmaker, produced over a thousand prints and numerous drawings across his career, establishing a reputation for versatility in subject matter and technical skill.
Context
Della Bella worked in a period when printmaking served both artistic and documentary purposes, circulating images of nature, myth, and daily life throughout Italy and beyond. His output reflects the broader Baroque interest in naturalistic observation combined with expressive, theatrical presentation.
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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