Artwork
Woman Seated on a Stool
Woman Seated on a Stool is a print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1660 by the Florentine artist Stefano della Bella, *Woman Seated on a Stool* is an ink-and-etching study that resides in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Della Bella, prolific in both prints and drawings, produced more than a thousand prints and numerous sketches throughout his career, often focusing on everyday and courtly subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a solitary female figure turned sideways, seated on a simple stool with her back toward the viewer. She wears a loosely draped garment that falls in pronounced folds, her hair gathered back, and one foot planted while the other hangs loosely. The pose suggests a moment of quiet repose, inviting contemplation of ordinary domestic presence.
Technique & Style
The drawing is rendered with rapid, uneven lines that give the fabric a tactile quality, emphasizing the weight and movement of the cloth. Such brisk, gestural strokes were typical of 17th‑century preparatory studies, allowing the artist to capture the play of light and texture without elaborate detailing.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection as part of its broader holdings of Baroque-era works. Della Bella’s oeuvre, noted for its extensive range of military, courtly, and genre scenes, situates this study within his larger output of quickly executed sketches that served both as independent works and as models for more finished pieces.
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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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Woman Seated on a Stool