Artwork
Young Moor with a Slight Beard and Feathered Turban, Turned to the Left
Young Moor with a Slight Beard and Feathered Turban, Turned to the Left is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1650, this etching on laid paper presents a solitary figure turned toward the left.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1650, this etching on laid paper presents a solitary figure turned toward the left. The subject, a young man of African descent, is rendered with a modest beard, a feather‑adorned turban, and a dark, high‑collared jacket. A light background and subtle shadows frame his head and shoulders, emphasizing the dignified posture and focused gaze.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a Moorish youth, a motif that reflected European fascination with exotic peoples during the Baroque era. The feathered turban, jeweled band, and solemn expression suggest a blend of status and cultural otherness, inviting viewers to contemplate notions of identity and representation in 17th‑century Italy.
Technique & Style
Executed by Stefano della Bella using fine etching lines, the image displays intricate detailing characteristic of his printmaking. The laid‑paper surface adds a textured tone, while delicate cross‑hatching creates depth in the facial features, fabric folds, and ornamental turban, achieving a nuanced interplay of light and shadow.
History & Provenance
Stefano della Bella (1610‑1664), a prolific Florentine draughtsman and printmaker, produced over a thousand prints in his career. This work belongs to his series of genre and portrait studies, reflecting his interest in diverse subjects ranging from military scenes to courtly figures. The print has circulated among European collections since the mid‑17th century.
Context
The etching emerges from the Baroque period, when artists often explored dramatic expression and exotic themes. Della Bella’s interest in varied cultural types aligns with contemporary curiosity about the wider world, a trend that informed both visual arts and literary accounts of the time.
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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