Stefano della Bella

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Polish horseman etching
Polish horseman etching

Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 - 12 July 1664) was an Italian printmaker known for etchings of many subjects, including military ones.

He was born at Florence, and apprenticed initially to a goldsmith, but became an engraver working under Orazio Vanni and then Cesare Dandini[1]. He studied etching under Remigio Cantagallina, who had also been the instructor of Jacques Callot, who had lived in Florence 1612-1621, and whose prints imparted a strong influence to printmakers. The patronage of Don Lorenzo de Medici enabled della Bella to study for three years in Rome. In Rome, he created a then admired print of the cavalcade celebrating the entry of the Polish ambassador into Rome in 1633. He also created a number of prints of views of Rome. In 1642 he went to Paris, introduced by the Tuscan ambassador, Alessandro del Nero, and where he resided for seven years. Cardinal Richelieu engaged him to go to Arras and make drawings of the siege and taking of that town by the royal army. After residing a considerable time at Paris he returned to Florence, where he obtained a pension from the grand duke, whose son, Cosimo de Medici, he instructed in drawing. His productions were very numerous, amounting to over 1000 separate pieces.

Entry of the Polish Ambassador to Rome, etching
Entry of the Polish Ambassador to Rome, etching

He is known to have illustrated some discoveries for Galileo. See entry for Hansken for his etching of the famous elephant after death.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Ticozzi.

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Persondata
NAME Della Bella, Stefano
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION engraver, printmaker
DATE OF BIRTH 18 May 1610
PLACE OF BIRTH Italy
DATE OF DEATH 12 July 1664
PLACE OF DEATH Italy