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Ornament print

Stefano della Bella

1650

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Baroque Baroque Floral

Dominant colour

Ornament print is a 1650 by Stefano della Bella, a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Stefano della Bella
When & what style?: 1650 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

The story of this work

Overview

This etching by Stefano della Bella depicts an acanthus frieze, part of the series *Ornamenti di Fregi et fogliami*. The design draws on the classical acanthus motif, a favored element in ancient Roman ornamentation that Renaissance artists frequently adapted. Such prints served as models for artisans across trades, aiding the dissemination of decorative styles. The work was likely created for use by architects and builders.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Stefano della Bella

Stefano della Bella kept a tiny studio in Florence where he sketched soldiers as if they were actors on a stage—ink and paper were his quick-change costumes.

See the richer artist page