Artwork
Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 6
Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 6 is a print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This 1646 etching, *Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No.
About this work
Overview
This 1646 etching, *Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 6*, is part of a series by Stefano della Bella, showcasing his expertise in decorative printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features a crowned shield adorned with six spheres, flanked by two cherubs holding a lion, and an ornate base with foliate motifs and a central face. The elements likely symbolize sovereignty, protection, and possibly allude to a noble patron or theme.
Technique & Style
Della Bella's meticulous etching technique achieves high detail and texture, with expressive lines, patterns, and shading that create depth. The work exemplifies Baroque ornamentation, characterized by intricate, dynamic forms.
History & Provenance
Created in 1646 by Florentine artist Stefano della Bella, this etching is one of over a thousand prints in his prolific output, alongside numerous drawings. The series highlights his versatility beyond military and genre themes.
Context
Emerging from 17th-century Florence, this work reflects the Baroque aesthetic prevalent in Europe during this period, where ornate decoration was highly valued in art and design.
Legacy
As part of della Bella's extensive oeuvre, this etching contributes to the broader appreciation of Baroque printmaking and the artist's influence on subsequent decorative arts.
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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Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 2, Dedication Page
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