Artwork
Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 3
Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 3 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 print, *Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No.
About this work
Overview
This 1646 print, *Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 3*, is a characteristic example of Stefano della Bella's ornamental designs, showcasing his mastery of intricate compositions.
Subject & Meaning
The print features an elaborately decorated, empty frame adorned with swirling scrolls, leaves, faces, and cherubs, suggesting it may have been intended to surround a coat of arms or portrait.
Technique & Style
Della Bella's etching technique is highlighted by the dense, detailed filling of the frame's area with tiny motifs such as curls, feathers, and masks, exemplifying the ornate qualities of Baroque aesthetics.
History & Provenance
Created in 1646 by Florentine artist Stefano della Bella, this work is part of a larger series of ornamental prints within his extensive oeuvre of over 1,000 prints and numerous drawings.
Context
This print reflects the Baroque style's influence on decorative arts during the 17th century, with its complex, dynamic, and highly ornamented design.
Legacy
As part of della Bella's prolific output, this print contributes to the broader legacy of Baroque printmaking, influencing subsequent generations with its intricate and varied compositional style.
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 11
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Collection of Various Caprices and New Designs of Cartouches and Ornaments: No. 2, Dedication Page
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