Artwork
Two Eagles, One Eating a Small Lamb
Two Eagles, One Eating a Small Lamb 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
Two Eagles, One Eating a Small Lamb is a 1637 etching on laid paper by Stefano della Bella, a prolific Florentine artist known for his diverse printmaking subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a dramatic scene of predation: one eagle consumes a small, curled-up lamb on a rocky shore, while another eagle observes from a nearby stance, set against a minimalist backdrop suggesting water.
Technique & Style
Della Bella employed fine lines in the etching to achieve detailed, realistic renderings of the eagles' feathers, contrasting with the lamb's tiny, vulnerable form to heighten dramatic effect.
History & Provenance
Created in 1637, this work is part of della Bella's extensive oeuvre of over 1,000 etchings, alongside numerous drawings, reflecting his broad artistic output.
Context
Understanding the etching process—where acid is used to engrave designs on metal plates—provides insight into the technical skill behind della Bella's work.
Own this work as a print
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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