Artwork
Waterfall with Three Tiers
Waterfall with Three Tiers is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1646, this etching portrays a multi‑level waterfall set within a wooded landscape.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1646, this etching portrays a multi‑level waterfall set within a wooded landscape. The composition balances the cascading water with surrounding trees, rocks and foliage, producing a tranquil scene that invites quiet contemplation.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on a three‑tiered waterfall, its streams descending amid a forested backdrop. The natural elements—water, trees, and stones—are rendered to emphasize the serenity of an untouched environment, reflecting a common Baroque interest in the sublime aspects of nature.
Technique & Style
Executed with the etching process, the work showcases della Bella’s precise line work and careful modulation of tone. Fine incisions delineate the water’s movement, while cross‑hatching creates texture in the foliage and rock surfaces, characteristic of his detailed approach to landscape subjects.
History & Provenance
Stefano della Bella, a Florentine born in 1610, was a prolific printmaker whose output includes over a thousand prints and numerous drawings, though only a single painting is recorded. This etching forms part of his extensive oeuvre, illustrating his sustained engagement with natural scenery during the mid‑17th century.
Context
The piece aligns with the broader Baroque fascination with dramatic yet harmonious depictions of nature. Della Bella’s work, while diverse in subject matter, often explored landscapes, and this waterfall scene exemplifies his contribution to the period’s visual vocabulary of the natural world.
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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